Teen Car Accidents More Likely During The Summer

June 11, 2021

The period stretching from Memorial Day to Labor Day is often the deadliest and most dangerous period of the year for teen drivers.

The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer

The Memorial Day-Labor Day stretch of time is often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” for drivers. Both the total number of car accidents as well as fatalities are higher during the summer than at any other time of the year. Although winter is often seen as a more hazardous time to be on the road, summer presents its own driving hazards, including increased traffic, road construction zones, and vehicle breakdowns due to extreme heat.

Why Do Teen Crash Rates Increase in the Summer?

The 100 Deadliest Days period is especially dangerous for teen drivers. Because teenagers are out of school, they have more opportunities to be out on the road, whether driving to and from summer jobs or just driving around to events and spending time with friends. Unfortunately, as inexperienced drivers, teens are much more likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes, especially fatal accidents. 

Teens are also more likely to engage in careless or reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding or failing to wear seat belts. Distracted driving is also a major factor in motor vehicle accidents caused by teen drivers. Teens may be more likely to use their cell phones while behind the wheel, or they may be distracted by friends or other occupants in their vehicle. 

Read more: Connection Between Speeding and Teen Deaths Released in New Report

Steps Teen Drivers Can Take to Be Safer on the Road

Some important tips that teen drivers should follow to help keep safe while driving include:

• Always wear your seat belt
• Plan your route and give yourself enough time to get to your destination, so that you can avoid feeling the need to rush by speeding or engaging in reckless driving.
• Avoid distractions behind the wheel, especially texting while driving or having friends in the car.
• Follow all traffic laws, including speed limits.
• Avoid consuming alcohol. If you do drink, never get behind the wheel.

Parents can also help keep their teen drivers safe by:

• Discussing safe driving habits. 
• Signing up their teen(s) for safe driving courses.
• Riding with their teen to ensure they know safe driving practices.
• Implementing a safe driving contract, which includes expectations and restrictions for new and inexperienced teen drivers such as limiting the permitted hours of driving or restricting the number of passengers a teen may have, and imposes consequences for violations.
• Practicing safe driving habits behind the wheel while their teen is riding in the vehicle.
• Making sure that their teen knows that they have an out if they do partake in alcohol or drugs and that  they can call for a ride without consequence if they are intoxicated and unable to drive. Although parents may be disappointed in their teen’s decision to drink or use drugs, ensuring that their teen has a safe ride home is better than the alternative of making them feel as though they have no option but to drive intoxicated.

Read more: Do I Have a Car Accident Claim?

Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. represent clients injured because of car accidents in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Western PA counties. Call (412) 766-1455 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a  consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.