Every summer, there’s an increase in fatal car accidents. Specifically, many of these accidents involve teen drivers. This increase in crashes is so consistent between Memorial Day and Labor Day that safety experts refer to it as the 100 deadliest days of summer.
If you look into why teenagers tend to get into these accidents, though, many of the reasons aren’t things that are exclusive to the summer. For instance, it’s very common for teenagers to cause accidents if they get distracted by cellphones or break the speed limit. It can be dangerous for them to drive with passengers in the car or while they are listening to loud music.
But the risk factors noted above are also present in the spring, fall and winter. So what is it about the summer that increases the fatal accident rate?
The lack of a school schedule
Unfortunately, there’s an unavoidable risk factor: Teenagers do not have school during the summer months. They have more free time, which they often spend with their friends, traveling or working. But no matter what they do, they’re spending more hours on the road and more time behind the wheel. Longer days also contribute to this, as teens may be more likely to stay out late.
So it’s not that the summer itself causes more accidents. There are always risks when it comes to young drivers, largely because they lack experience. The summer just gives them more time to drive, leading to a consistent spike in fatal accidents.
Have you lost a loved one in a car accident caused by another driver? If you have, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation.