Memorial Day weekend may spark memories of barbeques, fireworks, and family fun for most people. For those who are aware of AAA’s 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers statistics, Memorial Day weekend serves as a reason to stay more vigilant about your teen’s driving habits. All dads worry about their kids and driving. We can’t monitor every thing our kids do though. As dads, the most important things are to set clear rules, to have open conversations, and to always explain that our perspective comes from our love for them. Memorial Day weekend is always a good opportunity for parenting your teen with driving safety, especially during times that might pose a higher level of risk for teen drivers.
1. Recommend ride-sharing to reduce distractions
If your teen plans on attending a party or cookout with their friends over Memorial Day weekend, you should talk about alternatives to driving. If your teen loves to snap pictures with their friends or play on their phone as a distraction, ride-sharing options can make it safer to do what they want to do while also getting from point A to point B. When you live in an area with great public transit, that can be a more cost-effective alternative to driving or taking a ride-share service to places. To eliminate the possibility of getting into an accident as a result of distracted driving, public transit, and ride-share apps are safer alternatives sometimes. And, as a dad, share that you will always pay for a ride share if it’s a choice between them getting in a car with someone who is drunk or taking a Lyft.
2. Stay involved in their lives
When your teen feels comfortable talking with you about their concerns with driving, safety, and more, it will feel good for you as a dad and for your teen. If you wait until you need to have hard conversations to get involved with your teen, they may not feel comfortable having those conversations. You need to know what’s going on in your teen’s life so you can identify potential hazards, red flags, and positive wins. If you don’t know your teen’s friends, it can be harder to figure out whether your teen might be at risk of unsafe driving or risky situations on holiday weekends.
3. Have difficult conversations
Know your kids’ friends. Which ones do they think are self-aware? Which ones are risk-takers? How would your child react to getting in a car with a friend who had been drinking? Although many teens love the freedom of driving around with their friends, they aren’t always ready for that responsibility. When their passengers are having fun in the backseat, it can be hard to keep their eyes and ears focused on their surroundings on the road. Talk to your child before they get the chance to get in one of those cars.
4. Make it clear there can be no drunk or impaired driving
Make your expectations about drinking and driving known. Set rules, like “any violation will result in no driving privileges other than errands for a year or more.” By making your child aware of the consequences of their actions, you can trust that they will take more caution.
5. Have them avoid driving at night
Even adults who have been behind the wheel for years may feel anxious or uncertain about night driving. During weekends with higher instances of drunk driving, this can be even more true. According to a report by the Colorado Department of Transportation, about 30% of fatal accidents in Colorado in 2019 involved drunk drivers, and there were over 16,000 DUI cases filed in 2023 in the state alone. As a result, teens should be aware that driving after nightfall can be even less safe this holiday weekend.
6. Remind them to slow down
While driving fast can feel like a thrill, it can have dangerous consequences. Even if your teen doesn’t get into an accident as a result of speeding, they may encounter law enforcement who might not be sympathetic to their youth. With 800,000 law enforcement officers in the U.S., there’s no shortage of officers willing to teach your teen not to speed by giving them their first speeding ticket. There are also the added risks of not only accidents, but the potential for speed traps and drunk driving stops to add more incentives not to drink or speed. Give your teen these helpful reminders to drive slower before Memorial Day weekend hits.
7. Offer to be a chauffeur for the evening
If your teen doesn’t want to take transit or ride-share services, you may have to step up to the plate and offer to drive. Although it can be an inconvenience, it will still be better than your teen ending up in an accident or an unsafe situation. You can also bond on the car ride and appreciate the peace of mind.
Memorial Day weekend may be challenging for those who are parenting teens. Still, following the tips above can make it easier. Your teen’s safety should always be the number one priority.