Is Kentucky a dangerous state for teen drivers?
Kentucky parents may want to talk with their teens before they hit the road. That’s because the state is still one of the deadliest for young, newly licensed drivers.
Kentucky teens are 140% more likely to die in car crashes than the national average, according to a recent report.
Summer is the most dangerous time of year
When school’s not in session, many teens like to take advantage of the newfound freedom a driver’s license can give them. Sadly, some have called the summer season the “100 deadliest days for teen drivers.” According to recent crash data, these are the leading causes for summer teen driving deaths:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distractions like texting or talking to friends
How can I teach my teen to be a safe driver?
Despite passing driver’s ed and behind-the-wheel training, many teens are still inexperienced behind the wheel. These are a few safety tips parents can give their teens:
- Limit the number of passengers they can have in the car
- Abide by the speed limit at all times
- Don’t drive or get in the car with someone who is under the influence
- Keep music at a reasonable volume
- Only drive with close-toed shoes
- Tell mom or dad when the car is not running well
No parent wants to get a knock on their door from the Kentucky state trooper saying their child died in a crash. Luckily, parents can reduce these risks by being open and honest with their teen about the dangers they could face out on the road.