Along with the fun activities and beautiful weather that comes with Memorial Day in Michigan, Memorial Day also marks the start of the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers on the road in Michigan. More than 30% of all fatal crashes involving a teenager that happen throughout the year occur during this 100-day period due to an abundance of different factors that make it so much more dangerous than any other time.
Why is the Summertime More Dangerous on the Road Than Any Other Time of Year?
Lasting from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the 100 deadliest days on the road in Michigan are characterized by the warm weather of the summer months that make it more conducive for family vacations and road trips. This, along with the abundance of road construction, results in a major increase in traffic across Michigan. An increase in traffic causes road congestion, and a higher probability of collisions. Also, the sweltering heat that comes with the summertime in Michigan can increase the chances of your car failing through a tire blowout or your engine overheating. On top of that, many drivers carry the relaxed summer vibes that they have throughout the season over into their driving habits, delaying their reaction time, and making them more prone to distractions.
What Makes it so Much More Dangerous for Teenagers?
According to AAA, traffic crashes are the number one leading cause of death for teens ages 16-19 due to their lack of experience and immaturity. For every mile driven, teenage drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults. During the 100 deadliest days of summer, these new teen drivers are not required to be in school, allowing them to spend more time on the road. As a result, teens do not have nearly as much responsibility during the summer giving them the freedom to drive later at night than usual and participate in underage drinking. Teens are also more likely to carry out risky behaviors while driving during the summer such as speeding, distracted driving, not wearing a safety belt, impaired driving, or simply having other teenagers in the car while driving.
Interestingly, a recent study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety collected 1,700 videos of teen drivers taken from cameras inside the vehicle, documenting what the driver was doing 6 seconds prior to the crash. According to the study, the leading cause of distracted driving crashes was interaction with other passengers right before the collision. The second most frequent cause was cell phone usage followed by inside distractions, such as the heads-up display, outside distractions, music, grooming, and reaching for objects around the car while driving. Teens are not necessarily more distracted drivers because anyone of any age can be distracted. However, teens are unable to deal with distractions as efficiently as older, more experienced drivers are, making the distractions much more detrimental.
In order to keep you and your family as safe as possible during the fun but dangerous time of the 100 deadliest days in Michigan, be sure to teach your kids how to navigate the roads safely while driving and to avoid any distractions at all costs while behind the wheel. Also make sure that you are setting a good example for your kids through your driving habits by driving defensively, staying focused on the road without distractions, and following the laws of the road. All in all, make sure that you and your loved ones are emphasizing the importance of safe driving this summer so that you can enjoy the warm weather without having to deal with the extra danger on the roads during this time of year.
Contact Us for Help
If you, or someone in your family, is injured in a car accident this summer; we encourage you to contact us to explore how you can receive compensation for your injuries and much more.
