The Deadliest Days of Driving Have Begun

As the weather begins to warm and students return from college or begin summer vacation, the risks of being involved in a deadly motor vehicle accident increase substantially. These days are referred to as the “Deadliest 100 Days of Driving,” comprising the days from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Data indicated by States throughout the nation report a spike in teen driver fatalities during these 100 days (about 3 and a half months). The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that drivers 16-17 have fatal car accidents nearly three times as often as adults during this time frame. These increased accidents appear to be linked both to the availability teens have over the summer to drive, as well as to unsafe driving practices. AAA also noted that during these 100 days, seven people are killed in an automotive accident by teen drivers per day. To prevent these deadly accidents proactive safety measures should be taken and communicated to teen drivers.

So what you can do to promote driver safety?

Most fatal accidents involving teens can be prevented by reducing or eliminating driving distractions.  It is reported that 60% of teen motor vehicle accidents are the result of distracted driving. Driving distractions include texting or phone use; eating or reaching for items in the car; and distracting passengers, such as other teens. Research by AAA concluded that when a teen driver has a teen passenger in their vehicle, the fatality rate for all individuals in the car increased by 51%. However, when an older passenger (35 years of age or older) was in the vehicle with the teen, overall fatality rates in crashes decreased to 8%. Communication to teen drivers regarding the deadly nature of these distractions is crucial to prevent these deadly automotive accidents.

Additionally, risk factors during these deadly 100 days should also be considered, including road conditions like rain, driving at night and speed. AAA East Central, which covers the Lehigh Valley reported, ” a 22% increase in the average number of nighttime crashes per day involving teen drivers during the 100 deadliest days. This report also indicated that “30 percent of all motor vehicle crashes involving a teen driver were speed related.” Insuring that teen drivers are aware of the increased risk associated with speeding and slowing down at night can reduce the lethality of these accidents.  Not just teens need to be reminded that posted speed limits indicate the maximum safe driving speed under ideal road and weather conditions.  When driving at night or in the rain, the safest speed will be below the posted limit.

Almost every day we take it for granted that we can get behind the wheel of a vehicle to get from one place to another, however, for most of us this is probably one of the more dangerous activities of our day.  The hope is that the lethality of motor vehicle accidents during these 100 days can be reduced if we effectively communicate the risks with our teens; advise them regarding defensive driving habits; and provide them with safe driving examples.

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At Drake, Hileman & Davis, our personal injury attorneys have been concerned for the safety of those in our community for more than 35 years. We have been helping the injured find answers, whenever accidents happen. We have a proven track record of results and satisfied clients. We’re ready to answer your questions and provide you with the legal help you need. Contact us on-line or call us at 1-888-777-7098 to schedule your free consultation in the convenience of your home or at one of our five offices located in Doylestown, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Stroudsburg.