Arguably, teen drivers pose the most significant risk on the road. When you look at how many fatal accidents they’re involved in, it’s higher than it should be since they make up such a small percentage of total drivers. However, the summer increases this risk.
At least 43% of all fatal crashes involving teens occur in June, July or August. This staggering statistic had resulted in transportation officials calling these three months the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”.
Why is there an uptick in crashes during the summer?
The problem with summer, to a large degree, is just that teens are not in school. During the school year, even those who drive may simply commute to school and back every day. They spend most of their time in the classroom, playing sports or involved in other extracurricular activities.
Teens’ schedules are a bit more wide open during the summer. They have fewer obligations and end up spending more time with their friends. Some even take road trips. They’re also more likely to drive with other teens as passengers.
Spending time together doesn’t mean just talking in the halls at school. It means getting in the car and going places. Quite simply, summer means teens spend more time on the road, and that’s an issue since they’re a high-risk age group for having fatal crashes.
Do you know what steps to take?
Parents of teens need to remember that these dangerous days are coming and remind their teens how to remain safe on the roadway. More experienced drivers must keep an eye peeled for teen motorists and the mistakes they might make as well.
An attorney can advise you of your rights if another motorist causes you serious injuries. Your lawyer can also provide guidance as you look to file a lawsuit if a teen driver prematurely takes away a loved one’s life.
