During the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer," the risk to teen drivers increases significantly. According to Fox News, this period sees an average of 2,100 teens involved in fatal crashes each year, with 30% occurring during these 100 days—equivalent to seven deaths per day.
These car accidents often result in tragic loss and severe injuries. That's why AAA emphasizes the importance of awareness and education.
"Overall, it's important that we get the word out — not only to the teens themselves to help them understand that this is a risky time, but also to their parents, who ideally are quite involved in their teens' driving," said AAA National Office driving expert Bill Van Tassel, per Fox News.
What are the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer?
The "100 Deadliest Days of Summer" stretch from Memorial Day to Labor Day, marking a particularly dangerous time for teen drivers. This period is risky for several reasons. Many teenagers are new to driving, having just received their licenses, and their lack of experience and judgment can lead to accidents. Additionally, with school out, there's a significant rise in the number of teens on the road, whether they're heading to summer jobs, social events, or vacations. This mix of increased traffic and inexperience can have deadly consequences.
Causes of teen driver accidents
Inexperience
One of the main causes of teen driver accidents is inexperience. New drivers often lack the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complicated driving situations when they arise. They might struggle with assessing road conditions, making quick decisions, or handling unexpected events. Inexperienced drivers may not recognize potential hazards, which can also lead to accidents.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is another major contributor to teen accidents. Teens are particularly prone to distractions from cell phones, passengers, and other in-car activities. Texting or using social media while driving significantly diverts attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Even conversations with friends, which may seem harmless, can take a teen's focus away from driving.
Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious issue among teen drivers. Substance use impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it extremely dangerous to operate a vehicle. Despite being underage and the legal restrictions, peer pressure can still cause some teens to engage in this risky behavior.
Speeding
Speeding is common among teen drivers, who may underestimate the risks associated with driving at high speeds. Excessive speed reduces the driver's ability to react to sudden changes on the road, such as an obstacle or a pedestrian crossing. It also significantly increases the severity of collisions, leading to more serious injuries or fatalities.
Safety tips for teen drivers
- Avoid distractions: Stay focused on the road. Avoid using your phone, eating, or engaging in activities that can distract you from driving. Remember, even a momentary distraction can lead to an accident.
- Follow speed limits: Adhering to posted speed limits is crucial. Always drive at a speed that is safe for the road conditions.
- Wear your seatbelt: Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of injury in a crash.
- Limit nighttime driving: Driving at night can be challenging due to reduced visibility and increased fatigue. Try to limit your nighttime driving and be extra cautious when you do drive after dark.
- Don’t drive under the influence: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substances that impair your judgment and reaction time. If you’re impaired, find a safe alternative like a ride-sharing service or a designated driver.
- Keep a safe following distance: Maintain a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic.
- Plan your route: Before heading out, plan your route to avoid getting lost or needing to make sudden, unsafe maneuvers. Use navigation aids responsibly.
- Drive defensively: Always be aware of other drivers and anticipate potential hazards. Being a defensive driver means staying alert and prepared for unexpected actions by other road users.
- Obey traffic laws: Follow all traffic signals, stop signs, and road markings. Obeying traffic laws not only keeps you safe but also helps avoid accidents.
- Limit passengers: Having multiple passengers, especially other teens, can be distracting and increase the likelihood of risky behavior. Limit the number of passengers to ensure you stay focused on driving.
Seeking legal help after a car accident
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, whether it involves a teen driver or not, it’s essential to seek legal assistance to protect your rights. At Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C., our dedicated legal team can provide the support and representation needed to navigate the challenges of your case effectively.
Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with a wide range of car accident claims and understand the unique challenges these cases present. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, our law firm fights hard to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the compensation our clients deserve.
Don't delay. The sooner you contact us, the better. Schedule a free case evaluation with our Fort Worth, TX, law firm today.
"I was injured in a three-car accident. I had heard that Coby was the best, and they were right. He handled my case efficiently and effectively. I would recommend him to anyone." - Former client.