As a parent, you likely feel some degree of worry every time your teen gets behind the wheel of a car. While your kid might argue that you are worrying over nothing, the fact is that certain times of the year are indisputably more dangerous for teen drivers in particular.
Government agencies and nonprofit organizations alike agree that the 100 deadliest days of summer is a time when teen driving accidents reach a critical point, showing a crash rate as high as 43% during certain years. It is important for young motorists and their parents to understand why this season is so dangerous and how teens can be safer when the roadways are so perilous.
What are the 100 deadliest days of summer?
The 100 deadliest days of summer commonly refer to the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day, during which the frequency of fatal teen crashes increases dramatically. Over 7,000 collective deaths in teen-related accidents occurred from 2010-2019 during this deadly summer season. It is possible to attribute the cause behind this statistic to increased teen driving activity during summer vacation as well as a higher tendency of teens to drive while distracted, such as when conversing with passengers during road trips or outings.
How can teen drivers be safer during dangerous summer months?
The best safety habit a teen driver can build is to drive without distractions, which means that parents must also set a good example. Parents can involve themselves in their teens’ driving development by avoiding distractions themselves and encouraging their kids to seek help whenever necessary.
Whether you have a teen who experiences an accident or you suffer damage at the hands of a teen driver, it is crucial to take the appropriate legal action in the days and weeks to follow.
