Starting on 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.”

Fatal crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days disproportionately involve teenage drivers, who are typically on summer break throughout much of the summer season. AAA says that teen-involved crashes claim approximately 10 lives every day during the 100 Deadliest Days.

Knowing the risks facing all drivers this time of year might help you (or someone you care about) avoid being involved in a serious car accident.

Why Are These 100 Days so Deadly?

As mentioned above, 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 means they’ll be more likely to drive at night when certain types of crash risks increase.

But 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 if those drivers are inexperienced. When talking with passengers, drivers can be distracted cognitively, visually, or even physically.

In addition to smartphones and passengers, other sources of distraction that make teen drivers more likely to crash include eating or drinking behind the wheel, looking in mirrors for prolonged periods, and excessively loud music or noise inside the vehicle.

How Can We Be as Safe as Possible During the 100 Deadliest Days?

According to AAA, teen drivers are at an even greater risk of crashing when their passengers are other teens. So, teen drivers should limit the number of passengers in their vehicles, especially teenage passengers.

Smartphone use should also be completely avoided by drivers. Drivers should avoid eating behind the wheel. And because nighttime crashes involving teen drivers increase during the 100 Deadliest Days, teens should do their best to avoid driving once the sun sets and visibility is low.

Parents can do their part by having conversations with their teens about the risks they face on our roads. 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 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 us or our loved ones harm. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, you have every right to pursue compensation from that driver’s insurance company.

If You Need Legal Help, Contact Fieger Law

The Detroit 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 seriously.

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.