Teen crashes more prevalent in summer
Memorial Day marked the beginning of the 100 deadliest days of the year on our nation’s roads for teen drivers. Traditionally, during the summer months, hundreds of teens are killed in car crashes and their families devastated. These deaths are unacceptable, especially because these crashes are preventable. I implore parents to remain vigilant, as they play a big role in the fight to end these tragic crashes.
School might be out, but teens still need to be off the roads by 10 p.m., when teen crash risks sharply increase. Although teens may spend more time with friends during the summer months, teens should not ride with or carry other teen passengers. Just one teen passenger increases a teen driver’s crash risk by as much as 48 percent. Parents, please don’t ever sacrifice safety for convenience. If your teen is out late or with friends, make other travel arrangements. The risk is not worth the potential consequence.
I lead the Tennessee Teen Safe Driving Coalition, which The Allstate Foundation and the National Safety Council established to raise awareness about why teen crashes occur and what we can do to prevent them. I encourage parents to get involved and become advocates for their teens’ safety on our roadways. By doing so, I’m confident this summer can be the safest yet for our teen drivers.
SONYA MANFRED
Government needs to spend money wisely
One of our soldiers commits suicide every 24 hours due to post-traumatic stress disorder and depression waiting for psychological help, while others wait years to get disability benefits that they are entitled to. Money for the military is being cut while federal judges order states to spend tax dollars on sex-change operations.