As the school year comes to an end and summer begins, more teen drivers will be driving on the roads here in Colorado. From summer jobs and vacations to late-night outings and road trips with friends, the months between Memorial Day and back-to-school season often bring a noticeable increase in young drivers behind the wheel.
While summer can be an exciting time for teens, it’s also one of the busiest and most dangerous times of year for inexperienced drivers. For parents, this season is a good reminder to revisit driving safety conversations and make sure teen drivers are prepared before heading out on the road.
Summer Means More Time Behind the Wheel
During the school year, many teen drivers have more structured schedules and limited driving time. Once summer starts, that often changes.
Teens may begin:
- Driving longer distances
- Staying out later at night
- Traveling with groups of friends
- Driving unfamiliar routes
- Spending more time on highways and mountain roads
With increased freedom comes increased responsibility. Even confident young drivers can find themselves in situations they have never experienced before.
Distracted Driving Remains One of the Biggest Risks
One of the biggest concerns for teen drivers is distracted driving. Phones, passengers, music, navigation systems, and even conversations inside the vehicle can quickly take a driver’s attention away from the road.
Parents should continue emphasizing:
- No texting or phone use while driving, put the phone away until you get to your destination.
- Limiting distractions inside the vehicle
- Keeping music at a reasonable volume
- Staying focused during heavy traffic or poor weather conditions
- Pull over before adjusting your navigation or changing routes
A quick glance away from the road can have serious consequences, especially for inexperienced drivers.
Watch for Motorcycles on Colorado Roads
Summer also brings more motorcycles onto Colorado roads and highways. Teen drivers may not be used to checking for smaller vehicles in traffic, especially when changing lanes or making turns.
Parents should remind teen drivers to:
- Double-check blind spots before merging or changing lanes
- Leave extra following distance
- Watch carefully at intersections
- Always use turn signals early
- Stay alert for motorcycles in heavy traffic and mountain areas
Motorcycles can be harder to see, especially for inexperienced drivers. Taking an extra second to look carefully can help prevent serious accidents. You and your teen can read more about motorcycle safety & awareness on our recent blog: Motorcycle Safety Starts with Awareness Behind the Wheel
Vehicle Maintenance Matters Before Summer Travel
Before teens begin driving more frequently this summer, it’s also important to make sure the vehicle itself is safe and road-ready.
One area many drivers overlook is tire safety.
Colorado roads can be rough after winter weather, potholes, and changing temperatures. Taking a few minutes to inspect tires before summer travel can help reduce the risk of breakdowns or accidents.
Parents should encourage and educate their teen drivers to:
- Check tire pressure regularly
- Look for uneven tread wear or visible damage
- Understand dashboard warning lights like TPMS alerts
- Know where emergency items and spare tires are located
Proper tire maintenance can improve vehicle handling, traction, and overall safety on the road. For more on preparing your vehicle for road trips this summer, check out our recent article on What Colorado Drivers Should Know Before Hitting The Road
Talk About What to Do After an Accident
Even safe drivers can be involved in accidents. Having a plan ahead of time can help teens stay calm and make smart decisions if something happens.
Parents should talk with teen drivers about:
- Calling 911 if there are injuries or significant damage
- Moving to a safe location if possible
- Exchanging information with the other driver
- Taking photos and videos of the scene and vehicle damage
- Avoiding discussions about fault at the scene
- Contacting a parent or trusted adult right away
Knowing what steps to take can help protect both safety and important details after a crash.
Lead by Example
Teen drivers often learn the most from watching the adults around them. Safe driving habits like wearing a seat belt, avoiding distractions, staying calm in traffic, and following speed limits can all make a lasting impression.
While summer brings more drivers to Colorado roads, a few proactive conversations and simple safety checks can help teen drivers feel more prepared and confident behind the wheel.
As families head into the busy summer travel season, staying focused on safety can help everyone enjoy the road a little more confidently.
LS Injury Law Is Here To Help
If you or your teen driver is injured in a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, on road trip accident this summer, it’s important to understand your rights and options as early as possible. Larson Schneider, P.C. helps individuals and families across Colorado navigate the legal process after serious accidents and injuries. Contact our team for a free consultation.