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For teens, summer means a much-needed break from the daily grind. Yet for teen drivers, June, July, and August are also the most dangerous times of the year in terms of traffic accidents. The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day see the highest number of fatal car accidents involving teens across the country. According to AAA, teen-driver involved wrecks claim ten young lives a day during the “100 Deadliest Days” of the year.
Common Causes of Fatal Wrecks Involving Teens
Wrecks involving teen drivers increase during the 100 Deadliest Days for a variety of reasons. More teens on the road means more traffic for young, novice drivers. Without experience and hindsight, teens may not realize the consequence of dangerous habits like:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Drowsy driving
- Not wearing seatbelts
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Texting while driving
It goes without saying that teens enjoy driving with their friends. Yet studies show that additional passengers increase the risk of a crash for teen drivers by up to 44 percent. Parents should be mindful of this statistic and restrict the number of passengers in their child’s vehicle.
Keeping Teen Drivers Safe This Summer
Some traffic safety experts believe the best indicator of a teen’s driving behavior is their parents’ behavior. Parents and other adults who model responsible driving habits are more likely to see those same safe behaviors in their teens. To keep teen drivers safe this summer, AAA also recommends:
- Conversations about distracted driving well before the teen receives their driver’s license
- Drafting a parent-teen driving agreement to establish ground rules for safe travels
- Visiting AAA’s teen driver website for in-depth tips and resources to keep novice drivers safe
In addition to these great tips, parents may consider using any of the many mobile apps available to silence texts and call while the vehicle is in motion and record and report teen driving habits to parents in real time.
Car Accidents in Virginia
While some auto wrecks cause nothing more than rattled nerves and a few paint scratches, more serious accidents cause devastating damage to people and property. Whiplash, concussion, and other head, neck, and spine injuries are among the most common car accident injuries. When catastrophic injuries occur, a young life can be forever changed.
Personal injury claims are a legal means of pursuing justice and compensation for injuries suffered in a wreck. Whether you or a loved one was the victim of a reckless teen driver, or your teen was injured while driving with friends, you may have grounds to file a claim for the devastating losses your family member incurred including pain, suffering, medical bills, and lost income.
The Virginia Beach Car Accident Law Firm of East Coast Trial Lawyers Handles Cases Involving Teen Drivers
A free case consultation with a respected Virginia Beach car accident lawyer is the first step in the car accident claim process. East Coast Trial Lawyers provide personalized, compassionate legal guidance every step of the way. We will work tirelessly to seek fair compensation for your injuries. Call 757-352-2237 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free consultation today with the experienced Virginia Beach car accident law firm that advocates for you. Based in Virginia Beach, we work with clients in and around Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and across Virginia.
