Most teenagers look forward to the summer months with eager anticipation. They appreciate a break from school obligations and may have exciting plans with their friends. Parents with teen drivers may feel less excited about the summer months, in part because they keep hearing about how dangerous the summer can be.
For years now, safety experts have referred to the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the 100 deadliest days. Why do the summer months now have a strong association with preventable, premature mortality?
Teen car crash rates surge in the summer
The freedom of the summer months gives young adults an opportunity to socialize and experiment. If they have their driver’s licenses, they might plan day trips with their friends or just spend time out on the roads together with their peers.
More young adults on the road, possibly with friends in their vehicles, is a recipe for danger. Combine that with the possibility of teen drivers experimenting with drugs or alcohol, and that is a very risky situation.
Researchers have found that teenage car crash deaths increase by roughly 20% between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Distraction, intoxication and a lack of experience can all combine to create very dangerous scenarios for youthful motorists during the summer months.
Parents may not necessarily want to restrict the freedoms and driving privileges of their teens. However, they do need to account for the risk that comes with the summer season. Practical steps such as setting a curfew, limiting the number of minor passengers in the vehicle and prohibiting the use of a mobile phone while driving can potentially help keep youthful drivers as safe as possible on the summer roads.
If they do end up involved in a crash, the family may experience numerous challenges when seeking compensation afterward. Social bias related to teenagers can influence the investigation process after a car crash.
Understanding risk factors and safety trends may help parents as they take steps to ensure that their team drivers are as safe as possible on the road. Nevertheless, accidents happen. Pursuing compensation after a crash can be a complex process, especially if an incident involved a teen driver. With the right help, families can file insurance claims or take legal action as necessary after a motor vehicle collision.