Matthew Perkins’ Post

From grad parties to family trips, reasons to be on the road this summer are plentiful. But as your family — and your teenagers — get behind the wheel, realize that the summertime is the most dangerous time of the year for young drivers. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the number of fatal teen driver collisions increases by 15% between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This means more than 1,600 people have been killed in summertime accidents over the last five years involving inexperienced teen drivers. And while it’s impossible to blame one specific trend or issue, GuardChild conducted a survey that may clue us in: 69% of 16- to 18-year old teens have admitted to speeding, running lights, or texting while driving during the last month. Now is the time to properly train — and monitor — your young drivers. Parents: Change starts with you. Ensure your whole family experiences safe travels this summer by helping your teen establish safe driving habits: Keep an eye out for eDriving’s soon-to-be-released app Mentor, coming out for consumers. Install the app on your teen’s phone to monitor their driving behavior Enroll your child in drivers ed at the time that’s best for them. Read “ Is my teenager ready to drive? ” on DriversEd.com Be a good example. DoSomething.org reports that 56% of teenagers rely on their parents to learn how to drive Talk to your teenager about the friends they ride with. While states’ GDL laws impose restrictions on teen passengers, ensure your child feels empowered to be vocal about dangerous driving behavior with their friends Enforce curfews. More than 40% of teen auto deaths occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Parents, set clear expectations for your teen drivers: no texting, no calling, no distractions. Safety first, always. Click the link for a helpful resource to get the conversation going with your teen driver. #DistractedDrivingAwarenessMonth https://lnkd.in/gMmVRZcq

As we embrace the challenges of parenting, one of the most pivotal moments is when our teenagers take the wheel for the first time. This rite of passage, while a symbol of growing independence, brings a host of risks that cannot be ignored. 🚗 Did you know that car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., with 16 to 19-year-olds being three times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than drivers aged 20 and above? The article delves into the critical factors contributing to these accidents: inexperience, speeding, and distractions such as mobile phone use. It emphasizes the need for greater societal responsibility and proactive measures from parents, schools, and the legal system. 🚦📱 As parents and guardians, it's our duty to guide and support our teens through this journey. Setting rules, providing supervised driving practice, and choosing safe vehicles are just some of the ways we can help mitigate these risks. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gGiw8Ypb

A recent study by The Zebra highlights a concerning trend: one in four teens are too scared to drive. Since my forthcoming book is focused on fear, and since in my M&A practice I often work with retail automotive organizations, this topic interests me. Teen fear related to driving — fueled by parental worries and the reality of the dangers associated with young drivers — is causing many teens to delay getting their driver's licenses. If you have a teen at home, the report delves into the implications of this type of fear and offers insights into how parents can support their teens to navigate these challenges safely. For a deeper understanding of why today's teens are hesitant behind the wheel and what can be done to help, read the full article using the link below. #fear #feardynamics #teens #teendriving #teendrivers

#NationalTeenDriverSafetyWeek is October 20-26, 2024. Hopefully safety is a conversation you're having with your teen regularly, but this week we can make an even bigger focus on this important topic. There are so many rules teens need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. These rules are based on some of the greatest dangers for teen drivers: alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding, and the number of passengers. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3YzCdM2

https://cx.page/h1ej33 The kids are going to be alright. In the past ten years, the rates of fatalities among the youngest age group of drivers (21 and under) have dropped off dramatically. Decision makers believe the improved safety is due to better drivers’ education and longer lead-in times for full driving privileges. Read on to see how the numbers break down.

https://cx.page/0jd730 The kids are going to be alright. In the past ten years, the rates of fatalities among the youngest age group of drivers (21 and under) have dropped off dramatically. Decision makers believe the improved safety is due to better drivers’ education and longer lead-in times for full driving privileges. Read on to see how the numbers break down.

Please slow down… Attention drivers: As children return to school after the holidays, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office would like to remind you to remain vigilant for children commuting to school by bus, on foot, scooter, skateboard, or bicycle. Please exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and prioritize the safety of our young pedestrians. We are currently investigating 2 incidents involving children being struck during their commute to school this morning. At 7:17 AM, in the 10600 block of Sawmill Park Drive, in Sienna, Fort Bend County, Texas, a 16-year-old was riding his bicycle to school when he was struck while crossing the street. At 8:02 AM, in the 3900 block of Eastland Lake Drive, in Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, an 11-year-old was struck while walking to school. Thankfully, in both of the aforementioned cases, the children did not sustain any serious injuries. These incidents serve as a reminder to all of the importance of the below safety guidelines. For Drivers: Exercise Caution: Reduce your speed, maintain vigilant awareness, and prepare to come to a complete stop when approaching a crosswalk. Stay Alert: Pay close attention to your surroundings, adhere to all traffic signs and signals, and actively avoid distractions while driving. Yield to Pedestrians: Always prioritize the safety of pedestrians in crosswalks by yielding the right-of-way and refrain from passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Know the Law: Texas drivers should also be aware of the Lisa Torry Smith Act, which amended section 544.007 of the Texas Transportation Code. It requires drivers to stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians or cyclists lawfully in the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk. An offense under the Lisa Torry Smith Act is a Class A misdemeanor, except in the case that the pedestrian or cyclist suffers serious bodily injury. In that event the offense is a state jail felony. For Pedestrians: Stop and Look: Before entering a crosswalk, pause and carefully scan for approaching vehicles. Make sure it's safe to cross. Stay Alert: When walking put away electronics that take your eyes and ears off the road. Assist Children: If you have younger children with you, guide them safely through the crosswalks, ensuring they understand the importance of looking out for vehicles.

https://cx.page/4dm5ov The kids are going to be alright. In the past ten years, the rates of fatalities among the youngest age group of drivers (21 and under) have dropped off dramatically. Decision makers believe the improved safety is due to better drivers’ education and longer lead-in times for full driving privileges. Read on to see how the numbers break down.

Did you know that the 100 days between Memorial and Labor Day are the deadliest for teens? Car crashes, which are the leading cause of death for American youth, are the reason behind this troubling statistic. During the summer, teens are 20% more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. Today's blog explains how to keep teens safe on the roads. https://lnkd.in/esbs-FdU