What You Should Know About The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer

Summer is finally here, a time when teenagers across the country look forward to no school work, relaxing with friends, and using their newly-acquired driver’s licenses. While this sense of freedom can be exciting for new drivers, it’s important not to let the relaxing attitude of summer translate into relaxing behind the wheel. As always, safety is the top priority for everyone on the road. This is especially true when it comes to the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.”

Statistics On The 100 Deadliest Days

Year after year, rates of fatal teen accidents increase during the time between Memorial Day in May and Labor Day in September. Statistics from We Save Lives, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting safe driving practices and bringing awareness to dangerous driving choices, show that:

  • An average of 260 teens are killed in car crashes each month during the summer, a 26% increase compared to other months of the year
  • Teens have the highest crash rate of any age group
  • Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens

Couples with a lack of honed driving and decision-making skills, the most common factors for fatal teen accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Drunk driving
  • Distracted Driving

Safety Tips for Parents & Teen Drivers

We believe that education is key to road safety and accident prevention. While teens may make mistakes while first learning how to drive, it’s important to continue educating them on safe driving practices and make sure they understand the risks of dangerous driving behaviors.

AAA suggests making a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for the teen driver beyond road laws. This can include agreements that your teen will:

  • Not drive past a certain time or when it’s dark outside
  • Put their phone on silent and out of sight when driving
  • Reduce or eliminate passengers in their vehicle
  • Always wear a seatbelt

We hope that these tips help you and your family stay safe during the summer season.

However, if your teen or another family member is injured in a car accident, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman for legal assistance. Our attorneys are here to listen to your story and fight for your financial recovery.

Contact Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman at (662) 222-0597 to schedule your free consultation.

About the Author
Jefferson D. Gilder is a Partner at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman and was admitted to the Mississippi and Tennessee Bars in 1990. Mr. Gilder is admitted to practice in all courts in Mississippi and Tennessee including Federal Court, the Fifth and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Gilder's areas of practice include personal injury, criminal, medical malpractice, civil rights, and product liability. Mr. Gilder spent his first ten years as an attorney practicing with his father, Robert G. Gilder, at Gilder Law Firm in Southaven, Mississippi before forming Gilder, Howell & Assoc., P.A. with Jamie W. Howell, Jr. in June of 2000. This firm although as another legal entity has now combined their resources and experience with Chatham – Pittman, to form Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman. If you have any questions about this article, you can reach Jefferson through our contact page.