The summer months can be dangerous for drivers, especially those who are younger and have less experience. The period of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 deadliest days of summer” for teen drivers, since during this time, the rate of car accidents increases significantly. AAA reports that there were more than 7,000 fatal car accidents that took place during the summer months between 2010 and 2019, making for an average of seven fatalities every day. Drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are three times more likely to be involved in a collision that resulted in a person’s death. Drivers, passengers, or others who are injured in a collision involving a teen driver will want to work with an attorney to determine their legal options for recovering compensation.
Safety Issues Affecting Teen Drivers
During the summer, teens have more unstructured time, and they are likely to spend more time driving. Because teenagers often have less appreciation for the risks they face and the consequences of their actions, they may act negligently while behind the wheel, increasing the chances that they will be involved in a collision. In many cases, teen drivers cause car accidents due to:
- Distracted driving – Teenagers spend a great deal of time using cell phones and other electronic devices, and they may be tempted to do so while behind the wheel. Making phone calls, sending text messages, or checking social media while driving can be very dangerous, and these distractions may cause teen drivers to be unable to avoid colliding with other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists. Teenagers may also become distracted by other people in their vehicle, attempts to eat and drink while driving, or playing loud music on a car stereo.
- Speeding and other traffic violations – Because they often have less appreciation for safety and risk, teen drivers will often disobey traffic laws. Teens who drive above the speed limit may be unable to slow down in time to avoid colliding with other vehicles or obstacles in the road. Other violations, such as running traffic lights, will increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident.
- Intoxicated driving – Even though they are underage, many teenagers use alcohol, marijuana, or other intoxicating substances. Attempting to drive after using these substances can be very dangerous, and this is likely to lead to deadly car accidents.
Following an accident involving a teen driver, victims will need to make sure they are taking the right steps to protect their right to receive financial compensation. A skilled attorney can act quickly to gather and preserve the necessary evidence to show that a teenage driver was responsible for a collision, including photos of the scene of the accident, video footage from nearby security cameras or traffic cameras, statements from eyewitnesses, police reports, and 911 call recordings.
Contact Our Appleton, WI Car Accident Lawyers
Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can provide you with skilled and dedicated legal help following a car accident, and we will work to ensure that you will be fully compensated for your injuries and damages. Contact our Green Bay motor vehicle accident attorneys at 920-739-7366 to schedule your free consultation.
Sources:
https://wesavelives.org/100-deadliest-days-of-summer/
https://newsroom.aaa.com/2021/06/summertime-blues-the-return-of-the-100-deadliest-days-for-teen-drivers/
https://www.foxnews.com/auto/100-deadliest-days-teen-drivers-parents