The 100 days of summer stretching between Memorial Day and Labor Day are ominously referred to as the “100 deadliest days” for teenage drivers. That’s because the rate of fatal motor vehicle accidents involving teens increases during this period. Data from AAA shows an average of 7 teen driving deaths during the summer season.
Whether you plan on hitting the roads summer, are the parent of a teen driver, or a teenager yourself, it’s important to understand the increased risks that teen drivers face on the road during the summer months.
If the worst happens and someone is hurt in a crash with a young driver, an Oklahoma teen driving accident lawyer from Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons can discuss your legal options in a free consultation. Call or contact our Oklahoma personal injury lawyers today.
Summer Driving Data, Facts, and Statistics in Oklahoma
With more teens hitting the road during summer vacation, Oklahoma sees a corresponding increase in the number of fatal teen car accidents. Statistics show that an average of 260 teens is killed in motor vehicle accidents every month in the U.S. during the 100 deadliest days of summer, a 26 percent increase compared to other months of the year.
Unfortunately, teens also have the highest rate of being involved in motor vehicle accidents that result in the death of other motorists, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
The majority of crashes caused by teen drivers are attributed to distracted driving. Although many people may assume that teens are most frequently distracted by their cell phones, the leading cause of accidents is actually other passengers in the vehicle. Cell phones rank as the second-most common cause of teen collisions.
How Parents Can Improve Teen Safety
Parents can offer safety tips to keep teens safe behind the wheel this summer:
- Talk with your teen about the risks of driving while impaired, distracted driving, and speeding.
- Let your teen know that they can always contact you to pick them up if they cannot drive safely with no questions asked.
- Set an example by avoiding engaging in risky or unsafe behaviors yourself. This means refraining from speeding, always wearing your seat belt, obeying traffic rules, and not texting while driving.
- Establish a parent-teen driving agreement. This agreement will set forth responsibilities and obligations that your teen will observe while driving and spell out consequences if your teen violates the agreement.
Let an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer Answer Your Questions About Teen Accidents
At Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, we help injured individuals seek compensation after being injured in car accidents, including those involving teen drivers. Contact us today for a free case review.
We are Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons, a legal firm that, for decades, has been fighting for the rights of hardworking Oklahoma residents. Our mission is to hold the powerful accountable.
