Mothers Against Drunk Driving has issued a warning to parents that our Chicago personal injury attorneys urge you to take to heart: The next 100 days are the deadliest of the year for teen drivers.
We frequently report the risk young people face when it comes to Chicago car crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for those ages 15 to 20.Put another way, it’s a statistic that bears repeating: Your child is most likely to die in a traffic accident this summer. Your child. This summer. Our Illinois wrongful death attorneys are all too familiar with such tragedies. Dealing with the death of a young person in a car accident is among the most horrific cases a law firm can handle.
In 2009, about 3,000 teenagers were killed and more than 350,000 were treated in emergency rooms as a result of traffic accidents. Nine of the 10 deadliest days for teens are between the months of May and August.
Please speak to your child early and often this summer.
-MADD reports 28 percent of Illinois teens between the ages of 12 and 20 report using alcohol within the past month and 20 percent — or 1 in 5 — admit to binge drinking in the last 30 days.
-Teens are among the worst offenders when it comes to distracted driving. MADD recommends banning the use of electronic devices, including cell phones, while behind the wheel. The government’s Distracted Driving Website reports that 16 percent of those under 20 are distracted at the time of a crash.
-Limit night driving.
-Limit the number of passengers your teen is permitted to have in the vehicle.
-Set clear consequences for violating the rules.
-Consider using an Illinois teen driving contract with your teenager — which will outline the expectations and penalties for violations.
-Set firm rules about seat belt use. Statistics show teens are among the worst offenders when it comes to not buckling up.
-Invest in insurance. While teen car insurance premiums can be a shock in their own right, buy a policy with limits as high as you can reasonably afford. Basic policies or mandatory minimums are a joke in the event of a serious accident — you can spend $10,000 or more before the ambulance even gets you to the hospital.
Abels & Annes offers free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.