The 100 Deadliest Days for Teens A CNN Living spotlight

Memorial Day starts "the 100 deadliest days for teens." According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2012, nearly 1000 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers, and more than 550 of those killed were teens.

What accounts for the spike in teen driving crashes and fatalities? More free time, longer hours of light, less supervision all play a part, but other passengers in the car plays a big role. In the summer, the frequency of teens to have friends in the car while driving is quite high. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that passengers increase the risk of a teen driver having a fatal crash by at least 44%.  

More than 40 states have laws limiting passengers for newly licensed drivers. Parents need to be aware of these restrictions and teens absolutely need to adhere to the law. Make sure both you and your teen are familiar with your state's teen driving laws. Talk with your teen and be clear about your expectations and consequences for failing to follow the law.

Click here to access the complete CNN Living feature which also offers videos and resource links to assist parents with supporting their new teen drivers. 

Teen driving resources

• NHTSA Teen Drivers
• NSC Teen Driving
• SADD Issues: Driving 

Preventing Opioid Overdose
Lock it up: Medicine safety in your home

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) every year thousands of children are hospitalized - and some die - after taking medicine not meant for them. Teens share stolen prescription drugs at "pharm parties" and toddlers are tempted by colorful pills that look like candy.

Parents can take action within their own home to protect their teens (and their friends) and younger children from accidental overdoses from prescription drugs.

Easy steps to take:

• Lock away all prescription medications
• Dispose of old or unused medications properly
• Always take medication as prescribed
• Do not take or give medication prescribed for someone else
• Talk with your teen to NEVER accept any medication from a friend - even someone trustworthy - it can be dangerous

Click here for more information about medicine safety in your home and other important resources to use with your family, including a spotlight on teen abuse of medicinal drugs and teaching kids about using medicine safely.

Have a safe summer!

PTM is taking a short break, but will return in the fall with more valuable resources for parents and other caring adults. Don't forget to check out our website and let us know what you would like to read about in future PTM issues!

As more states consider the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes and others the legalization for recreational use, it is important for parents and teens to understand the risks and negative health effects associated with the drug's use.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recently summarized the current research and found that marijuana:

• Can be addictive, especially in young users
• Impairs driving, increasing the risk of being involved in a car crash 
• Impairs critical thinking and memory functions during use, and persist for days after using
• When used in the early teen years, lowers IQ into adulthood, even if users stopped as adults

To read the overview, click here.

For facts about marijuana, click here.

Preventing Drug Use at any Age

Conversations can help protect your teen

Parents, you can help protect your child at any age, from toddler to teen to young adult, from drug use by talking with them using age-appropriate advice and conversations.

Use the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Parent Toolkit to get started on these conversations with children of any age or use these quick links for your middle- or high-schooler. 

• Tips: 13-15 years old
• What to Say: 13-15 years old
• Tips: 16-18 years old
• What to Say: 16-18 years old
• Tips: If you think your teen is using: 13-18 years old