Once we reach Memorial Day, we will be in the 100 deadliest days of summer. This title refers to the increased risk on the roads, especially for teenage drivers. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, teenagers will be involved in an increased number of fatal car accidents. There is an annual surge every summer – and that is also a risk to anyone who has to share the road with these teen drivers.
Every individual accident is unique, so the reason for the crash could vary. Some teens get distracted by cell phones. Others engage in speeding, tailgating or reckless driving. Some will drive under the influence, while others will get distracted by music, passengers or a GPS.
But if there’s an annual increase in fatalities over the summer, what is the reason for the increase? All of the reasons for accidents listed above exist in the winter just like they do in the summer. Why is there such a stark change as the weather warms up?
Summer vacation
In short, the answer is summer vacation. The vast majority of American teenagers are in school for nine months of the year, and then they get three months off over the summer break. This gives them more free time to drive, they spend more hours behind the wheel and so they naturally cause more car accidents.
One key thing to remember is that teens always have the highest fatal accident rate. That doesn’t change in the summer. But if they’re spending more time driving and less time in class, that is going to be reflected in the statistics.
Have you lost a loved one or been injured in a car accident caused by another driver? You need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and more.