Increase in Summer Car Accidents Due to Increase in Teenage Drivers

With teens out of school for the summer, the roads receive an increase in teen drivers, which also leads to an increase in motor vehicle accidents. This period of time is often referred to as the “100 deadliest days,” according to AAA. In fact, about 1,000 individuals die in crashes with teen drivers during that brief span of time every year, which averages to about 10 deaths per day.

Among these crashes, 58.5% were caused by driver distractions, including talking on cell phones and texting, according to Lytx DriveCam camera footage reviewed by the University of Iowa. In the seconds before a crash, it was revealed that 15% were speaking to other passengers in the car, 12% were on a cell phone, and 11% were looking at or paying attention to something inside the vehicle.

In a survey from 2007 to 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the percentage of young drivers, ranging from the ages of 16 to 24, seen using a hand-held device quadrupled from 1% to 4.8%. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that use of a hand-held device increases a driver’s risk of a crash 23 times more than those who are not distracted by cell phones.

Supporting Safe Driving Habits

If you have a teen driver in your household, here are some helpful tips to help prevent them from being involved in a fatal accident this summer:

• Restrict driving to daytime: Accidents can happen anytime, of course, but driving is inherently more dangerous in the evening. About 40% of all fatal crashes involving teenage drivers occur between 9 PM and 6 AM.
• Restrict the number of passengers: Young and inexperienced drivers carrying multiple passengers are more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. When carrying three or more young passengers, the risk of an accident quadruples due to the increased distractions they tend to present.
• Continue driving practice: Passing a driver’s test does not mean your teen driver is perfect. Their youth and inexperience make them weaker and far less prepared for any unexpected obstacles or situations on the road. Parents should encourage continued driving practice with their teens to reinforce good driving habits and practices.
• Provide important safety reminders: Out of any age group, teens have the worst seat belt use rate, which is also a factor in their higher rate of fatalities. Remind your teen driver to remember to wear a seat belt, not to use a cell phone while driving, and not to speed.

Get Help From a Washington DC Car Accident Attorney

If you sustained injuries in an accident caused by a negligent or careless party, you have a right to pursue the compensation you need and deserve. At Simeone & Miller, LLP, we have helped many injured victims, including those involved in complex and devastating accidents. Our skilled and experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and serving your best interest.

Begin your car accident case today and call us at (202) 888-0872 to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team. We are proud to serve clients in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.