Teen driving accidents during the 100 deadliest days of summer are a nationwide phenomenon. The 100 Deadliest Days refers to an increase in fatal crashes involving teen drivers in the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It’s a tragedy that touches many families, and road safety authorities are doing what they can to counter it.
If your family has been affected, things may never be the same again. Nevertheless, you should consider whether your teen was actually to blame. If you do not believe they were, a Salt Lake City teen driving accident lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation. If you lost someone, suing for damages cannot truly make up for your pain. However, your legal rights are worth defending.
Bias, Teen Driving Accidents, and The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
They are on holiday, and the freedom of the road awaits. For most teens, it’s just a chance to spread their wings and enjoy the fun. For others, it’s a time that leads to injury, disability, and even death. Teen driving accidents during the 100 deadliest days of summer occur for a multitude of reasons. They include:
- Teens are out and about, getting behind the wheel in forays to places where the fun is happening. More teens on the road means more teens getting involved in accidents.
- Teens are inexperienced drivers. They may make mistakes or be ill-equipped to deal with the dangers they face on the roads.
- With lots going on, and their phones beeping out a string of messages, distracted driving can be a factor that contributes to serious accidents.
- They think faster, they move faster, and they’re chasing summer fun. Speeding can contribute to teen driver accidents.
- Illicit thrills are on the menu. They may not be legally allowed to drink, but teens are open to temptation.
Although these explanations are reasonable, it may not be fair to tar all teens with the same brush. There is potential for bias. Law enforcement officers may unconsciously be inclined to blame teen drivers for causing accidents, even when they did nothing wrong. After all, even adults are often on holiday during this time, and not all of them are driving at their best.
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The National Road Safety Foundation Weighs in on Teen Driving Accidents During the 100 Deadliest Days Of Summer
The figures are all too concrete, reinforcing the reasons why the 100 deadliest days are a recognized phenomenon. The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) would like to see them transformed into the 100 safest days of summer, as we all undoubtedly would. For now, we live with the statistics:
- Teenage drivers are nearly 3 times as likely to be involved in car crashes.
- Distracted driving is a factor in 60% of crashes involving teenagers. Passengers, phones, and eating or drinking while driving contribute to this figure.
- 35% of young men and 17% of young women involved in summer holiday crashes were speeding at the time.
- 30% of teenage drivers involved in crashes were under the influence of alcohol.
Accident figures paint a stark picture. More teens die in car crashes than from any other cause. During the 100 deadliest days of summer, teen driving accidents are 20% more likely than they are at any other time.
What Parents Can Do to Help Their Teens Stay Safe On the Road During the Summer Holidays
It’s time for an honest talk filled with tips to keep teenagers safe behind the wheel. Even the most responsible teens need to understand how serious the 100 Deadliest Days are. Remind them not to overload their cars, set curfews, and warn them about the risks of texting while driving.
Remember that the way parents drive serves as a role model. Be a safe driver yourself. For example, if you drink and drive, your children are more likely to think it is not a big deal. A study on the influence of parental and peer drinking behaviors on adolescents confirms this.
Consider sending them on a defensive driving course. It may be an activity you can enjoy together, and even adults can benefit from a refresher course. For example, the “10 and 2” driving position is no longer considered the best way to hold the wheel. Turn safe driving into a family talking point. For more ideas, download the NSRF Passport to Safe Driving.
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What to Do if You Hear Your Teen Was in a Car Accident
Mercifully, not all teen driving accidents during the 100 deadliest days of summer are fatal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its 2022 data summary of motor vehicle crashes, and its figures indicate that only 0.7% of crashes involve fatalities. 71% involve property damage only.
If you hear that your teen was in a car accident, the first thing to do is to ensure they get medical attention, even if they say they are unhurt. If they are still on the scene and do not seem to be seriously injured, remind them to collect other drivers’ information, including insurance details. They should also take photos of the accident scene if possible.
Your teen will be in shock and will need your support. Confirm their location and tell them you are on your way. Report the matter to your insurance company, preferably within 24 hrs, and consider getting advice from our Salt Lake City teen driving accident lawyer if they have been hurt.
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Teenagers Are More Vulnerable When Other Drivers Are Reckless or Negligent
If you get a call from your teen after a driving accident during the 100 deadliest days of summer, do not automatically assume they must have done something wrong. Their inexperience makes them more vulnerable when other drivers are reckless or careless.
Unfortunately, the “deadliest days” when teen driver deaths jump during the summer months have earned their name. The AAA reports that over 30% of crash fatalities in accidents with teen drivers occur during this timeframe. Check out the AAA Parent-Teen Safe Driving Agreement, and consider measures like driving courses.
Call Siegfried & Jensen for a Free Consultation
If, despite your best efforts, your teen is involved in an accident, call Siegfried & Jensen for legal advice. Our attorneys offer you a free consultation in which you can gain their professional opinion on your options.
We can answer all your questions about the 100 deadliest days of summer for teen driving accidents.
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