Summertime is synonymous with fun in the sun, planned vacations, less work, and school out for the summer. However, it's also a dangerous time for teen drivers to be behind the wheel. During the summer months, young teen drivers are more likely to die in motor vehicle crashes than in any other time period. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. But during the months, specifically, the start of Memorial day, when school is out for the summer and there are more teens on the road, teen drivers are more at risk for a deadly crash.
In this blog post, we will provide relevant statistics and driving safety tips to help teen drivers stay safe during the summer months. Follow these tips to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road!
What Are The 100 Deadliest Days Of Summer?
The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, often known as the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer," is when fatal teen motor vehicle accidents significantly increase. The average number of fatal teen driver accidents climbs to nearly 16%. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, compared to any other period of the year. The numbers can be alarming, but as parents, it's crucial to understand what factors contribute to these deadly crashes and what can be done to ensure your teen's safety.
Distraction
Distracted driving is a common occurrence every day; however, during the summer, distracted driving tends to spike, posing risks of a deadly impact. Teens are more likely to be passengers in cars with other teens, which can lead to talking, texting, and other distractions. According to the AAA Foundation for Safety, distraction is the primary cause of roughly 6 out of 10 fatal teen crashes.
Taking your eyes off the road is not only dangerous for yourself but all the other drivers around you. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,143 lives in 2020 alone.
It can be difficult to resist the urge to answer a text or check social media while behind the wheel, but it's important to remember that any type of distraction can be dangerous. Put your phone away and keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Reckless Driving Behaviors
Teenagers also tend to take more risks during summer break. With no school and less supervision, they may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding, impaired driving, and not wearing seatbelts. Teens may also be more likely to drive at night or in bad weather when visibility is reduced.
Safety Tips To Combat the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
No one wants to be involved in a car crash, but unfortunately, accidents happen. By being aware of the risks and taking precautions, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road this summer. Here are some safety tips to discuss with your teenager to ensure their safety during this time.
Talk to your teen about the dangers of distracted driving and make sure they understand the consequences.
Encourage your teen to plan ahead and take breaks on long trips.
Make sure your teen is familiar with the car they're driving and knows how to operate it safely.
Talk to your teen about the dangers of drinking and driving.
Encourage your teen to wear their seatbelt at all times.
Set rules for when and where your teen can drive, and make sure they stick to them
Consider placing a curfew to prevent your teen from driving late at night.
If you follow these tips, you can help keep your teen safe on the road this summer!
If you or a loved one were involved in a motor vehicle accident, The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 210-807-3178 to schedule a free case consultation.