The kids are out of school. Summer vacations are in full swing. New memories are being made, and there is that exhilarating feeling of freedom. Yet we at Tauber Law Offices feel we need to bring up a topic that needs widespread attention.
We’re in the middle of it now. Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teens, due to the sharp annual increase in car deaths involving young drivers.
According to the AAA:
Over the past five years, nearly 3,500 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during these 100 Deadliest Days. New crash data from 2013-2017 reveals major factors contributing to fatal teen crashes during the summer driving period include:
- Speeding
- Drinking and driving
- Distraction – Includes texting and driving
Additional AAA Foundation research found distraction was involved in 58 percent of teen crashes, approximately four times as many as federal estimates.
On average, distracted driving kills more than eight people in the US each day. In 2017, 3,000 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers, representing over 8% of all crash fatalities that year.
More locally, the most recent statistics show an average of 80 young drivers were killed every year in collisions on Indiana roadways.
What’s more, summer brings many newly licensed teen-drivers. Teens tend to think they are invincible in many ways and are more prone to take chances due to their inexperience and general mind-set.
“Crash data shows that teens are a vulnerable driver group with a higher probability of being involved in crashes,” said Dr. David Yang, Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “And while teens may make mistakes when first learning to drive, it is important to continue educating them about safety behind the wheel, so they avoid the reckless behaviors that put themselves and others at risk on the road.”
To keep roads safer this summer, AAA encourages parents to:
- Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment and distracted driving.
- Teach by example and minimize risky behavior when driving.
- Make a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers.
Many times, injuries and fatalities are cause by irresponsible drivers – whether they be teens or adults who should know better. The family of attorneys at Tauber Law Offices truly hope that you or a member of your family is not a victim. But if the worst happens, we are always ready to represent you. Call us and give us details of your individual circumstance. If we believe you have a case, we will stand by your side until justice is served. Know that there is never a charge for the initial consultation.
Sources include AAA Motor Club, National Safety Council
