Are Teen Driver Crashes More Likely After Memorial Day?

Memorial Day kicks off the unofficial start to summer, which means teens are probably more anxious than ever to get out of the house and hang out with their friends. However, when it comes to car crashes, research shows that Memorial Day through Labor Day is the deadliest time of year. When you hand the keys over to your teen, it’s important to remind your teen drivers about the danger of car crashes. 

What Are the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer?

The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the average number of deadly teen driver crashes climbs significantly when compared to the rest of the year. In fact, an average of 260 teens are killed in car crashes each month during the summer. This is a 26% increase when compared to other months of the year. 

Unfortunately, research continually shows that teen drivers are likely to be involved in car crashes. In fact, the CDC reported that teens ages 16-19 have a fatal crash rate almost three times as high as other drivers age 20 and older per mile driven. 

What Factors Contribute to Teen Driver Crashes During the Summer?

While summer is the time for fun and relaxation, it’s important for teens to understand the responsibilities that come with driving a vehicle. Teens are often impulsive and can sometimes make deadly decisions when they get behind the wheel. The factors that contribute to teen crashes include: 

Speeding 

Speeding is a significant factor in some of the most severe crashes that our personal injury attorneys see. In fact, speeding accounts for at least 28% of teen driving crashes. Nearly half of teen drivers admit to speeding in residential neighborhoods, and 40% of teens say that they have sped on highways. 

Alcohol

Drinking and driving is another major factor in teen driver crashes. While laws prohibit teens from drinking alcohol, reports show that 29 percent of drivers age 15-20 involved in fatal crashes during the summer tested positive for alcohol. 

Distraction

Distracted driving also contributes to many teen driver crashes. In 2018, there were 2, 841 deaths from motor vehicle crashes involving distracted driving. Nearly half of teens admit to checking text messages while operating a vehicle. 

Nighttime Driving

Regardless of age, drivers are more likely to get into an accident when driving at night. This trend is amplified when the driver is a teen. Statistics show that 44 percent of all teen driving fatalities occurred between 9 pm and 6 am. 

Implement a Parent-Teen Safe Driving Contract 

Parents, speak with your teen drivers frequently and openly about the dangers of distracted driving and other dangerous behaviors. Serious conversations with teens may not be the easiest to have, but they can help prevent teen driver crashes. 

A parent-teen safe driving contract is a great way to hold your teen driver responsible. A contract will help ensure that you and your teen are on the same page. There are many things to include in a parent-teen driving contract, such as:

• Wearing seatbelts. 
• Obeying speed limits. 
• Never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 
• Avoiding driving while fatigued or drowsy.
• Never texting or talking on the phone while driving.
• Never having more than the permitted amount of passengers.

Preparing Your Teen’s Car for the Summer

Whether your teen has their own car or uses yours, it is important to make sure the vehicle is in safe driving condition. Not only does routine maintenance extend the life of your vehicle, but it may also save yours as well. 

• Routine maintenance. Things to consider during routine maintenance are oil changes, filters, and cleaning batteries.
• Tires. Check the tread depth on your tires. You can use a tread-wear gauge, a penny, or a quarter to make sure the tread isn’t too worn out on your tires.
• Brakes. Brakes are an important feature in ensuring your teen makes it to the summer destination safely. Worn down or faulty brakes can cause serious accidents.

Check for Recalls

Checking for recalls is extremely important to keep your teens safe this summer. Car recalls mean that the vehicle has a safety-related defect and does not comply with federal safety standards. 

Luckily, checking for recalls is very simple. All you need is your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and you can check online. All recalls should be taken seriously and taken care of in a timely manner. 

The Carlson Law Firm Can Help

If you or a loved one have been injured by someone else’s negligence, the Carlson Law Firm will be with you through every step of the way. Our caring and compassionate legal teams are committed to providing exceptional service and representation. We care, and we can help.