Car accidents: Leading cause of death for teens

Law enforcement told KION with teens out of school for the summer they’ll be driving farther and for longer amounts of time.That combined with inexperience and distracted driving can lead to some tragic accidents.

“Today I got stopped because I did not complete a full stop,” said Soledad resident Norma Victoria.

Victoria is one of many young drivers that will get pulled over this summer by police.

“Honestly I don’t think they care,” said 18-year-old Rebecca Gonzalez. “I think they think that they’re invincible.”

Authorities said that mindset makes all three summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers.

“We’re seeing more teenagers involved in collisions during the summer months versus in the winter time when they’re maybe in school, going to college,” said Soledad Police Sgt. Joseph Crivello.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens.

‘”Just letting them go, the responsibility of a car you know,” said Rebecca’s mom Araceli Gonzalez, “Getting into an accident, the thought of it it’s scary.”

In 2013 nearly 2,200 teens in the U.S., ages 16-19 were killed. More than 240,000 were treated in the emergency room for injuries.

“It is really sad to hear stories about teen drivers,” said Rebecca. “But a lot of it is just them being cautious as well.”

Leading causes of accidents and fatalities include driver inexperience, driving with other teens, not using seatbelts and using their phone while behind the wheel.

“I catch myself maybe like almost hitting someone or something so I do tend to stop that now,” said Victoria.

Soledad Police said the good news is deadly crashes can be prevented by buckling up, not driving distracted or under the influence and by parents getting involved.

“They should maybe enter into some kind of verbal agreement,” said Crevillo. “Verbal contract where it’s understood that yes I’m going to practice safe driving, I’m going to follow the rules of the road.”

ORIGINAL STORY: Car accidents are the leading cause of death for American teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and that risk increases during the summer.

The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teens.” With school out, they’re on the road more often.

In light of Memorial Day, KION’s Maya Holmes spoke with Soledad Police about how they’re working to keep teens safe.

The department is trying to be proactive through preventive enforcement. Officers are keeping an eye out for teen drivers, pulling them over for any traffic violation. But instead of just handing out a ticket, they’re talking to them about road safety.

Officers also say parents should join the conversation. Maya Holmes will have more Monday night.