For the next few months, we’re going to experience what some call the 100 deadliest days to be on the American road system. Every year, starting with Memorial Day and going until Labor Day, fatal accidents involving teen drivers increase. It’s important for parents to be aware of this risk, for teens to understand the issue and for other drivers who have to share the road with them to know the danger that teenagers pose.
But why is it that the fatal accident rates go up at this time? Teenagers always have one of the highest fatality rates, often because they lack driving experience. But that’s just as true in December as it is in July, so why is the summer more dangerous?
Lack of a structured schedule
The key lies in free time. During the school year, teens have a very structured schedule. They may drive to school and back, and some accidents do take place at these times. But they also spend eight hours at school, keeping them off of the road. During the summer, though, teenagers tend to have a lot more free time. Some of them get summer jobs, others go on road trips, and others just spend time with their friends, driving between various homes and other locations.
So it’s not that teenagers become more dangerous drivers in the summer. They are always dangerous drivers. They just spend a lot more time driving during the summer, especially with longer daylight hours, and that leads to more serious crashes. Those who have lost loved ones need to know what legal options they have.