How to Prepare for the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer

July 13, 2020

Summer is a dangerous time for teen drivers. Teens are recognized as the group who is most at risk for car accidents due to inexperience. In the summer, teenagers are free to roam the highways since they are out of school, which increases the risk for accidents. In fact, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer for teen drivers.

This year, it is predicted to be even more problematic since the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many teenagers to be cooped up at home. As restrictions are lifted, some anticipate that teens will be more eager to hit the road to join their friends and seek out summer parties.

Statistics for Teen Drivers

Not surprisingly, teen drivers have the highest crash rate of any age group. Research by the American Automobile Association (AAA) shows teen drivers who are 16 years old and 17 years old are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash. During the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, teens are killed in car crashes at a rate that is 26 percent higher than other months of the year. In general, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers.

What Mostly Causes Teen-Related Crashes?

Summertime affords teens much more freedom and time to hang around with their friends. They may also stay out later, and many accidents occur in the early morning hours between 12 a.m. and five a.m.

The three most common causes of teen car accidents are speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving. Teens may speed for the sheer thrill of fast driving or peer pressure from friends. Inexperience on the road could be a factor in speeding, they might drive too fast for the road or weather conditions and not realize the risks involved.

Distracted driving is a huge problem for all drivers, but for teens, just the presence of another teen as a passenger is a major distraction. This is why so many states bar new teen drivers from carrying passengers in the first months after receiving a driver’s license. Studies show that male teens are especially susceptible to peer pressure, and often drive fast and aggressively. In addition to their friends, cellphones and car entertainment systems are also big distractions for teen drivers.

Drunk driving is often a factor in fatal crashes. Although drugs and alcohol are not legally accessible to teens, they remain significant factors in crashes that happen during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.

How Can Teen Car Accidents be Prevented?

Parents should play an active part in continuing driving education by reminding teens to drive often and safely. Encourage teens to do the following:

• Wear a seat belt
• Put away the cellphone
• Obey the speed limit
• Get a good night’s rest
• Be home by curfew

It goes without saying that parents have to demonstrate these good driving behaviors as well. Leading by example is the best way to impress upon teens that safe driving practices make a difference for everyone. If a teen is involved in an accident, it is crucial to seek legal counsel right away.

Delaware Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Injured Car Accident Victims and Their Families

If your teen was innocently involved in a crash or you were hit by a teen driver, contact one of our Delaware car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. Our skilled team helps car accident victims get the compensation that they need. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.