What Are The 100 Deadly Days of Summer?

The 100 deadly days of summer cover the period between the unofficial start of summer – Memorial Day – to the unofficial end – Labor Day. Typically, this is from the fifteenth of May to the fifteenth of August. During this time, car accidents happen at an alarmingly high rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risks of car accidents are highest among teens between the ages of 16-19 than in any other age group during this period of time. If you were injured in an accident during this time and believe it was due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a consultation.

Common Causes of Summer Car Crashes

Speeding. Speeding is a major factor in all fatal crashes involving teen drivers. In fact, it accounts for about 28% of all teen-related accidents. An average of 260 teenagers are killed in car crashes per month in the summer. This is an increase of 26 percent compared with the rest of the year.

Distracted Driving. It’s no surprise that teens are often involved in car accidents because of distracted driving. This includes text messaging and driving, scrolling through social media while driving, or engaging in any other form of distraction. Other common distractions include pets, passengers, and loud music.

Drunk Driving. Teenagers are involved in many drunk driving accidents, despite the fact that they are not legally allowed to drink. This is typically made worse in the summer months, as people are spending more time partying with their friends.

Failure to Use Seatbelts. The importance of using seatbelts can never be overstated. It is almost always a major determinant of the severity of injuries in car crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 45% of teenage drivers who suffered fatal injuries in car accidents in 2018 were unbuckled.

Peer Pressure. As discovered in a study by the NHTSA, teenage drivers are two and a half times more likely to partake in risky behaviors while driving if they have a fellow teenager in the car.

Statistics of Summer Car Accidents Involving Teenage Drivers

Over 40% of teen drivers admitted to exceeding the speed limits and speeding through residential areas and highways. The single largest cause of deadly car accidents in the summer months among teen drivers is speeding. It accounts for nearly 30% of all fatal crashes.

What To Do After A Summer Car Accident

The effects of a car accident can be overwhelming for both adults and teenagers. Accidents are typically sudden and unexpected, leaving victims disoriented. If you have been involved in a car accident, take as many of the following steps as possible:

• Call 911 to report the accident. Wait for the police to arrive so they can take note of the scene and help determine what happened. Make sure you get a copy of the accident report.

 

• Obtain the contact information of the other driver(s) involved. It’s always wise to ask for their insurance and registration information and vehicle details.

 

• Take pictures of your injuries, even if you don’t think they look that bad.

 

• Take as many photographs as possible of the scene of the accident and any property damage, including your vehicle and any personal items you had with you that were damaged in the accident.

 

Obtain contact information for any witnesses to the crash.

If you were involved in a car accident during one of the 100 deadly days of summer, or any other day during the year, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Los Angeles car accident attorneys for a consultation.