Summer Months Can Be Deadly for Teenage Drivers

Teenagers always pose a bigger risk on the roads than their adult counterparts, but research shows that the summer months are particularly fatal for these younger motorists. If your teenager has just gotten their driver’s license, or is about to, our Ohio injury attorney outlines what you need to know below.

Is the Summer Really More Dangerous for Teenager Drivers?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading cause of death of teenagers aged 15 to 18 years old is motor vehicle accidents. Every year over 2,000 teenagers within this age group are involved in fatal auto accidents across the country. 

Many of these accidents occur right here in Ohio. Although just 4% of motorists in the state are teenagers, they make up 15% of all auto accidents. The AAA has dubbed the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” because this is when most teenage fatalities occur on the roads.

Why Do More Teenage Driver Accidents Happen in the Summer?

There are many reasons teenage driver accidents are more likely to occur in the summer than in the other months of the year. These are as follows:

• Distracted driving: It is no secret that teenagers love their cell phones. Many will use their phone while driving, which is particularly dangerous. However, it is not only phones that pose a distraction for teens. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, teen drivers are twice as likely to cause an accident when they have a teenage passenger in the vehicle. If there are more than two teen passengers in a vehicle, teen drivers are three times more likely to cause a crash.
• Failing to wear a seatbelt: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenage drivers are the least likely to wear seatbelts compared to all other age groups. The seatbelt is one of the best safety measures drivers and occupants in vehicles have, and failing to wear one can have catastrophic consequences.
• Speeding: There are many reasons teenage drivers speed. Their lack of experience driving can make it more challenging for them to gauge their speed, and when teenagers drink and drive, they are also more likely to speed and cause a fatal accident.

It is critical for parents to speak to their children about the dangers of driving and to make sure they have the necessary experience and training before they get behind the wheel. Defensive driving courses can also help teenagers understand how to avoid an accident and the dangers of speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving.

Has Your Child Been Hurt? Our Car Accident Lawyers in Ohio Can Help

While it is true that teenagers often cause more accidents in the summer, this does not mean younger drivers should automatically get the blame for a crash. If your child has been hurt, our Ohio car accident lawyers at Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC can advise on the facts of your case and help you obtain the full and fair damages you deserve. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.