Memorial Day is commonly known as marking the unofficial start of summer. According to AAA, it also marks the beginning of the most dangerous time to be on the road.
More than 30 percent of all fatal accidents involving teen drivers happen during the 100 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day, according to the auto club. A total of seven people die per day in accidents involving teen drivers across the country during this time.
“This is a very dangerous time on the roadways,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said. “This is primarily because school is out and teen drivers have more time to spend on the roadway, which increases the odds of them being involved in a potentially dangerous and deadly crash.”
This year, the light at the end of the tunnel during the pandemic combined with the jump in teen accidents that happens every summer is a particular recipe for disaster.
“Now that the CDC has lifted many pandemic restrictions, young adults are eager to reconnect with friends, which means young inexperienced drivers will spend more time on the roads,” Jenkins said. “This increases the chances that they’re involved in a crash, and for every mile driven, new teen drivers (ages 16-17 years old) are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults.”
In Florida, about 36 teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes each summer and some 40 people die in these accidents.
The good news is that AAA says there are a number of steps that teen drivers and their parents can take to reduce the risk of a collision.
They include limiting the number of passengers in a vehicle to avoid distraction, staying off the road during nighttime hours when visibility is poor and intoxicated motorists are more common and putting down the cell phone while driving. Drivers can also go a long way in protecting themselves and others by ensuring that everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt.
“Teens lack the experience, skills and maturity of a seasoned driver, which contribute to an increase in the chance that there will be a deadly outcome, not just for the teen driver, but also for any passenger as well as others on the road,” Jenkins said. “So we all have a vested interest in ensuring that teens are safe behind the wheel.”
Talk with a Villages Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Florida, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve and hold those responsible for the crash fully accountable.
Villages accident attorney Tim Babiarz has been fighting for people injured in car crashes and other accidents for more than two decades. Tim is a tenacious litigator dedicated to helping people get the full money damages available under the law.
We are proud to represent clients in the Villages and throughout the area, including in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and beyond. Call (352) 205-7559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages accident attorney.
