Preventing Teen Crashes This Summer | Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC

A teenage girl with long brown hair is seated in the driver's seat of a car, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression on her face.

Summer is in full swing, and it's important to remember that we are now in the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer," which extends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. While this period might be a time to relax and plan enjoyable activities, it’s important to be vigilant while driving, especially for teens. The statistics regarding teen crashes are alarming:

Car accidents are the leading cause of teen fatalities.
Teens between the ages of 16 and 19 have the highest rate of car accidents of any age group.
60% of crashes involving teens today are linked to distracted driving.
Other passengers are the leading cause of distraction among teen drivers. They account for 15% of teen driver crashes, compared to 12% caused by texting or using a cell phone.
44% of motor vehicle crash deaths among teens ages 13–19 occurred between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., and 50% occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in 2020.
Among teen drivers and passengers aged 16–19 who were killed in car crashes in 2020, 56% were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

What does this mean for parents as young people load the car and drive off to their destinations? Parents should remain vigilant and provide their teens with valuable safe driving tips. Now is the time to double down on driving safety to protect teens during these dangerous months.

What are the leading causes of teen crashes during the summer?

Common causes of teen crashes during the summer include:

Inexperience and overconfidence.
Distracted driving (cell phones, passengers).
Driving under the influence (alcohol, drugs).
Nighttime driving (reduced visibility, fatigue).
Speeding and reckless driving.
Weather conditions (summer storms, heat).
Road trips and longer drives (fatigue, unfamiliar roads).
Peer pressure (risk-taking behavior, distractions).
Lack of seatbelt use.
Aggressive driving (impatience, road rage).

How can parents help prevent teen crashes this summer?

If you're a parent of a teen driver, here are some valuable tips for keeping them safe on the road during the summer:

Avoid serving alcohol or drugs: Never serve alcohol or drugs at parties. This practice not only endangers lives but also exposes parents to legal liabilities if a party-goer crashes on the way home.
Lead by example: Eliminate distractions while driving and always drive sober. Teens watch and learn from their parents, who serve as primary driving teachers.
Encourage open communication: Urge your teen to call you if they find themselves in a potentially dangerous driving situation. Promise to pick them up without asking questions or imposing immediate consequences. Fear of getting in trouble can lead teens to make unsafe decisions, such as driving under the influence or riding with an impaired driver.
Frequent driving practice: Practice driving with your teen regularly. Stay patient and positive and demonstrate safe driving habits. Consider hiring a professional driving instructor to help with this often high-stress learning process.
Promote safe technology use: Encourage your teen to add #BUTNOTWHILEDRIVING to their mobile device signature and teach them to use Focus or Do Not Disturb features.
Stay informed and involved: Ask your teen to keep you informed about their plans, including where they are going and with whom. Encourage them to notify you if their plans change.
Empower decision-making: Teach your teen to refuse rides from friends who have been drinking, taking drugs, or driving distracted. Also, it empowers them to take responsibility for the safety of their passengers.
Encourage the Courage to Intervene promise: Discuss and encourage your teen to sign the Courage to Intervene promise, commit to safe driving practices, and intervene when others take risks.

Seek legal help after a serious crash

While car crashes involving teenage drivers spike during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, it’s important to remember that anyone can be injured in an auto accident, irrespective of age or driving experience.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash that was someone else's fault, understanding your legal rights, navigating insurance claims, and seeking compensation for damages are crucial steps toward recovery and justice. That's why it's so important to consult an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and learn your potential options for recovering compensation.

Don’t let the aftermath of a serious car crash overwhelm you. Contact our Rockville law firm today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights. We serve clients across the DMV (Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.) and are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.