Each year the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day marks the deadliest time for drivers. The deadliest days of summer are not limited to teenagers. Motorcyclists are also at a higher risk for injury or death since they are out on the roads more during the summer months. Distracted and drunk driving play a major role in the increase of fatal accidents.
When school lets out, more teens are traveling the roads for jobs, vacations, and socializing. On average, there is a 26% increase in fatal collisions involving teens compared to the rest of the year. Speed and nighttime driving are the biggest issues when it comes to teen drivers. 36% of all fatal collisions involving teen drivers occur between 9:00pm and 5:00am, and 10% of all fatal night time collisions involve a teen driver; 29% of all fatal collisions involving a teen driver were speed-related. Many states have laws that restrict how late teens can be out on the roads in an effort to decrease the number of accidents involving teen drivers.
Motorcyclists are also at an increased risk for being involved in a fatal collision during the summer months. Most motorcycle crashes involve a car turning left in front of a motorcycle. Since motorcycles are harder to see, bright clothes should always be worn when riding a motorcycle and a driver of a motorcycle should always be aware of his or her surroundings.
While a main distraction for teen drivers is cellphone use while driving, other passengers also pose a significant distraction. Passenger distractions are responsible for 15% of crashes involving a teenage driver, whereas 12% of crashes are caused by texting or talking on the phone according to me.
While you are on the road this summer, remember to limit your distraction while driving and keep a look out for others on the road. Impaired driving is dangerous and a crime at any age. Teenage drunk driving has fallen about 50% over the last 25 years, but teen drivers are still at risk for being hit by a drunk driver.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
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