Now that school is out in South Carolina, kids of all ages are anxious to begin enjoying the free time summer provides each year. Unfortunately, the summer months give rise to accidents that leave our Greenville County kids vulnerable to serious injuries.
Teenage Driving Accidents in Greenville, South Carolina
With another school year in the books, teenagers are spending more time behind the wheel, and traveling longer distances than they do during the months when school is in session.
Tragically, traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for teens 15 to 18 years old.
The NHTSA reports parents are the key to safe teen driving, and encourage them to discuss the dangers of distractions with their kids before they get behind the wheel.
The most important rules of the road for teen drivers include:
- Wear Seat Belts:Almost half of the passengers killed in cars driven by teen drivers in recent years were not.
- No Drinking and No Drugs:16% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes last year had been drinking.
- No Distractions:About 10% of all teen drivers involved in fatal crashes in recent years were distracted at the time of the crash.
- No Speeding:About 27% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes last year were speeding.
- Limit Extra Passengers:Teen drivers are at a greater risk for a crash when they have others in their car.
School-Age Children and Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents Increase in the Summer
Neighborhoods become remarkably busy with school-aged kids and their activities during the summer months. Whether they are riding their bikes or walking to the park, kids are much harder to see than adults when crossing the street or playing in their driveways.
While kids can be taught the rules of the road, and the safety lessons of wearing their helmets and safety gear while watching out for traffic, negligent drivers can collide with small kids without notice when they do not make complete stops or when entering or exiting driveways.
Drivers must slow down and be alert, especially when traveling through residential neighborhoods this summer.
Swimming Pools, Playground & Dog Bite Accidents are More Common in the Summer Months
Kids love to swim, play at the park, and interact with dogs year-round, but the opportunity for each activity increases in the summer months.
Whether your kids are home for summer, on the road with you, or away at camp, use these tips to keep your family safe and healthy.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours and after being in the water or sweating.
- Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids even if they are not thirsty. Water is best.
- Always strap children in a properly fitted car seat, booster seat, or seat belt when traveling by car.
- Never leave children alone in a car, even for a minute.
- Never leave children alone in or near the water.
- Young children need to wear life jackets when playing in or near water and while on docks.
- Read playground signs and use playground equipment that is right for your child’s age
- Look out for things in the play area that can hurt your child, like defective equipment.
- Teach children to play safely around dogs, and to never pull, poke, or hit them.
- Teach your child to never surprise or scare a dog and never approach a dog they do not know.
Our Greenville personal injury lawyers look forward to seeing our fellow community members enjoying the summer safely!
If, for any reason, you or your child is injured by another person or party’s negligence, our Greenville, South Carolina personal injury attorneys at David W. Martin Law Group can help explain your legal rights and options to hold them accountable during a consultation by calling (803) 590-1958 or contacting us online.
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