Deadliest Driving Days Are Ahead

Most drivers are aware that the more traffic on the roads, the higher the chances of being involved in a traffic accident. During rush hour traffic, in the morning and evening as people hurry to and from work, the risk of having a car collision naturally goes up. In the same vein, when the weather is bad whether there is snow, excessive wind, or rain and fog, a driver's risk of being in a car crash will increase. In addition to rush hour and inclement weather, there are certain days throughout the year which are more dangerous for drivers.

Deadly Summertime Driving Days

Summertime, in general, brings a higher risk of auto accidents for a variety of reasons. There are more people on the roadways engaging in recreational activities, and more teenagers, out of school, on the roadways, out having summertime fun. The NHTSA credits a higher volume of travelers, and a significantly higher number of alcohol-impaired drivers with contributing to significantly more auto collisions.

Further, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day has been dubbed the “100 deadliest days,” for teenagers. In fact, 9 of the 10 deadliest days for teens across the United States occur between May and August. Too much free time, and a lack of driving experience are a problem for teens as well as a tendency to engage in distracted driving behaviors such as texting, talking on a cell phone, engaging with teen passengers in the vehicle, eating and just generally having their attention on everything except driving.

Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day are Dangerous Driving Days

Teenagers are not, however, the only ones who fall into the deadliest driving days. Among those “100 deadliest days” of summer is the Fourth of July holiday. The Fourth of July has been ranked as the deadliest day of the year, with teens accounting for about 10 percent of the fatalities seen on this holiday. Included with the Fourth of July for deadly driving days are Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.

Generally speaking, weekends are always more dangerous than weekdays for auto accidents. Friday through Sunday sees many more auto accidents, with alcohol being a factor in many of those accidents. Overall, seven of the 25 deadliest days in the United States for drivers occur during August, making it, hands down, the deadliest month on the road. July ranks as the third-deadliest month on United States highways.

Teens With Passengers Increase the Risk of a Deadly Accident

According to the National Safety Council, the “100 deadliest days” of summer is particularly dangerous for teens because they are driving more frequently with their friends. John Ulczycki, president of the National Safety Council, says that while we have always known passengers were a big risk factor for teenagers, new studies say those passengers might be even more dangerous than texting and driving. Having other teen passengers in the vehicle can increase a teen driver's risk of being involved in a fatal car accident by at least 44 percent.

This is one of the reasons that the majority of states have laws regarding the number of passengers teens are allowed to have in the vehicle with them. Some states don't allow new drivers to have any other teens in the vehicle for the first six months or year, others allow only one teen passenger. More and more research points to the fact that loud conversations and horseplay between teen passengers can be even more likely than technology to result in a car collision. In the end, with the summer months just around the corner, parents with teens need to take the upcoming deadly driving days very seriously for their children—and for themselves. Adults are hardly immune from summer driving hazards, so it is important for all drivers to be especially alert during the upcoming months.

Contact Our Louisville, Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky and Southern Indiana Car Accident Lawyers

At Sciantarelli Law Firm, our Louisville car accident attorneys are ready to fight for you and your rights. If you have been injured in a car accident, we can help you obtain the money you will need to fully recover. To learn more about your legal rights, contact experienced Louisville car accident attorney, Kevin Sciantarelli, today for a free consultation. Call 1-855-538-4611 or fill out our online contact form for more information.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/23/living/100-deadliest-days-for-teen-drivers-parents/

http://www.bactrack.com/blogs/expert-center/35042821-the-most-dangerous-times-on-the-road

http://www.safemotorist.com/articles/deadliest_days_on_the_road.aspx

http://www.insuranceusa.com/learning-center/auto-insurance/tips/worst-driving-days/