School is almost out, which means teens can replace studying with socializing. Although you should have fun this summer, it’s always important to remain safe on the open road. The professionals at Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua, HI, know that 35% of fatal car crashes involve teens driving under the influence. Distractions such as texting while driving have also resulted in 3,100 deaths. Their knowledge comes from nearly 100 years of experience providing emergency physician services to people throughout West Hawaii.

Here, the professionals at Kona Community Hospital’s Trauma Center share three safety tips for summertime driving:

• Don’t Drink & Drive: You should never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumption can impair your vision and reaction time. If you drive drunk, you’re not only putting your life at risk but also the lives of your passengers and motorists sharing the road with you. An accident can result in an insurance lawsuit, revoked license, or a trip to the hospital. If your blood alcohol level is above .08, you could even go to jail.
• Always Have A Designated Driver: If you do plan to drink while hanging out with friends, make sure to always have a designated driver. This person should not consume any alcohol while you are out. The designated driver can also monitor your drinking to ensure you don’t drink excessively.
• Don’t Text & Drive: Although alcohol is a leading factor in most car crashes involving teens, texting or talking on the phone while driving also tops the list. In fact, you are 23 times more likely to get into a crash if you are distracted by a text message. According to studies by the Pew Research Center, 40% of American teenagers have been in a car when the driver was distracted by a text or phone call. Texting or taking a call means you aren’t watching the road, your hands aren’t on the wheel, and your cognitive attention is impaired. A few seconds of distraction can have fatal results. To prevent a crash, don’t answer your phone or respond to text messages until you’ve reached your destination.

If you do get into a crash this summer, the health care and services providers at Kona Community Hospital will do everything in their power to make sure you are okay. The West Hawaii hospital also provides cancer services and surgical services. To learn more, visit them online.