Starting Memorial Day and lasting until Labor Day, the number of traffic deaths on our roads increases. That’s why AAA calls the period between these two holidays the “100 Deadliest Days.”
While all drivers face increased risk during this period, crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days disproportionately involve teenage drivers, who are typically on summer break throughout much of the summer.
Knowing the risks facing all drivers at this time of year might help you or someone you care about avoid a serious car accident. If you, or someone you love, has been injured, our Michigan car accident lawyers can help. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Are These 100 Days So Deadly?
During the summer months, teen drivers have more time available to be on the roads. Many teens also don’t have to worry about waking up early to go to school, which may make them more likely to drive late at night, when crash risks increase. AAA says that teen-involved crashes claim approximately 8 lives every day during the 100 Deadliest Days.
More younger drivers on the road also means more traffic. Inexperience can make it more difficult to navigate traffic safely, leading to serious crashes. This combination of an increased number of younger drivers and their inexperience behind the wheel can have devastating consequences, as WILX reports that around 23 teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes during the summer months each year in our state alone.
Distracted Driving
One of the biggest contributors to this deadly stretch is distraction. AAA says that distraction is one of the leading causes of crashes involving teen drivers. Smartphone use is a common and much-discussed cause of distracted driving, but AAA’s research finds that the biggest distraction for teens is driving with too many passengers.
Passengers can be a constant source of distraction for drivers, particularly for inexperienced drivers. When talking with passengers, drivers can be distracted cognitively, visually, or even physically, if they are turning to face their passengers when talking.
Other sources of distraction that make teen drivers more likely to crash include eating or drinking while driving, prolonged mirror-checking, and excessively loud music or noise inside the vehicle.
Increased Summer Travel and Road Hazards
Summer vacations also mean more people on the road in general, including drivers traveling through areas they may be unfamiliar with. Heavier traffic on highways and interstates, combined with drivers confused about when and where to merge, exit, or change lanes, increases the potential for wrecks.
Construction projects also tend to pick up during the summer months throughout Michigan. Work zones can create bottlenecks, traffic congestion, reduced speed zones, lane reductions, and detours. These sudden changes in traffic patterns can increase the likelihood of crashes even for local drivers, especially when distracted or speeding.
Summer Heat and Impaired Driving Risks
The summer heat can also push vehicles to the limit. High temperatures place additional stress on engines, tires, and other vehicle components, increasing the likelihood of breakdowns and mechanical failures. Vehicle breakdowns can create dangerous roadside situations and increase congestion, which can contribute to collisions.
Summer holidays, backyard barbecues, vacations, and social gatherings can also lead to more impaired driving accidents. When drivers get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs, everyone on the road is put at risk.
How Can We Be as Safe as Possible During the 100 Deadliest Days?
While no one can completely eliminate the risk of an accident, there are steps motorists can take to stay safer during the 100 Deadliest Days. Being proactive behind the wheel and staying aware of common summer driving hazards can help reduce the likelihood of serious crashes on Michigan’s roads.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Drivers should completely avoid using smartphones and eating while driving. Because nighttime crashes involving teen drivers increase during the 100 Deadliest Days, teens should do their best to avoid driving after sunset when visibility is low.
Use Extra Caution During Summer Travel
Drivers throughout Michigan should also be extra cautious in construction zones and during periods of heavy summer travel traffic. Leaving extra following distance, slowing down in work zones, and planning routes ahead of time can help reduce the risk of collisions.
Keep Your Vehicle Properly Maintained
Vehicle maintenance is especially important during the summer months. Drivers should ensure their tires, brakes, battery, and cooling systems are functioning properly before taking long trips in the heat.
Parents Should Talk to Their Teens About Road Safety
Parents can do their part by having conversations with their teens about the risks they face on our roads by their own actions and those of others. Most importantly, parents can also lead by example by following all the rules of the road and the best safety practices mentioned above when they drive.
Focus On What’s in Your Control
All drivers should take their responsibilities seriously, not only to protect their own safety, but also that of their fellow motorists. This means being respectful, conscientious drivers who remain as distraction-free as possible.
Unfortunately, we can’t control what other drivers do. However, we can hold those drivers accountable when they cause harm to our loved ones or us. If a negligent driver has injured you, you have every right to pursue compensation from that driver’s insurance company.
When you’re seriously injured in a crash through no fault of your own, you can file a personal injury claim to receive the compensation you deserve. These claims give you the chance to hold at-fault drivers and their insurance companies responsible for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and any other damages you face because of their negligence.
If You Need Legal Help After a Crash, Contact Fieger Law
The car accident lawyers at Fieger Law have decades of experience holding negligent drivers responsible for the damages they’ve caused our clients. In fact, we’ve won some of the biggest car accident verdicts in the U.S., and we take our role as advocates for injured people and their loved ones very seriously.
At Fieger Law, our Michigan car accident lawyers know what it takes to win. Our team has won more than 165 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more, and many of those cases involved car accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash through no fault of your own, it’s time to take a stand to get what you truly deserve. Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation.
