How To Prevent An Accident During The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
Summer is one of the busiest times of year on the road. Families take vacations, teens are out of school, motorcycles and bicycles are more common, and many drivers spend more time behind the wheel. With more peopleon the roads, the risk of serious accidents can increase.
While no one can control every driver around them, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Safe driving habits, planning ahead, and paying attention to seasonal risks can make a meaningful difference during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.
If you or a loved one were injured in a summer car accident, Cellino Law can help you understand your legal options. Call 888-888-8888 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Key Takeaways About The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
- The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
- Summer driving risks can affect teens, parents, commuters, vacationers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
- Common crash risks include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, drowsy driving, and heavy traffic.
- Parents can help teen drivers by setting clear rules, limiting passengers, and reviewing nighttime driving expectations.
- All drivers can reduce their risk by planning ahead, staying alert, following traffic laws, and adjusting to weather or road conditions.
What Are The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer?
The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer refers to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes involving teen drivers tend to increase. In New York State, this time of year is recognized as a higher-risk period for teen drivers.
Although the phrase is often connected to teen driving safety, the risks of summer travel can affect everyone on the road. Busier highways, more pedestrians, late-night driving, impaired driving, and longer trips can all contribute to dangerous conditions.
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for teens in the United States, which is why teen driver safety is still an important part of the conversation. However, preventing summer accidents is something every driver, passenger, parent, pedestrian, and cyclist should take seriously.
Why Are The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer More Dangerous?
Summer roads can look different from the rest of the year. There may be more vacation traffic, motorcycles, pedestrians, bicyclists, rideshare vehicles, road work, and drivers unfamiliar with the area.
Common reasons summer crashes happen include:
- Speeding
- Phone use behind the wheel
- Driving late at night
- Drowsy driving
- Impaired driving
- Following too closely
- Ignoring weather or road conditions
- Driving on unfamiliar roads
- Failing to watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcycles
For teen drivers, issues like nighttime driving, teen passengers, and limited experience can make these risks more serious. For adults, long road trips, fatigue, alcohol use, and crowded highways can also increase the chance of a crash.
How Drivers Can Reduce Their Risk During The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
Every driver can take steps to stay safer during the summer months. These habits can help reduce the risk of a serious crash, whether you are driving across town or taking a longer trip.
Put The Phone Away
A phone should be out of reach before the car starts moving. Drivers should avoid texting, scrolling, changing music, recording videos, or checking notifications while driving. Distracted driving includes any activity that takes attention away from safe driving, even for a few seconds.
Follow The Speed Limit
Speeding gives drivers less time to react and can make injuries worse in a crash. Leave early, follow posted limits, and slow down in traffic, rain, work zones, parking lots, and unfamiliar areas.
Avoid Driving While Tired
Summer often means longer trips, busy schedules, and late nights. Drowsy driving can affect reaction time and decision-making. Plan rest stops, switch drivers when possible, and avoid getting behind the wheel when you are too tired to drive safely.
Never Drive Impaired
Alcohol, marijuana, prescription medication, and other substances can affect reaction time, judgment, and coordination. Driving drunk or high can put everyone on the road at serious risk.
Watch For Vulnerable Road Users
Warm weather brings more motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians outside. Check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Use extra caution near crosswalks, intersections, parks, events, and residential neighborhoods.
How Parents Can Help Teen Drivers Stay Safe
The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer are not only about teen drivers, but teens do face added risks because they are still gaining experience. Parents can help reduce those risks by setting expectations before summer plans pick up.
Rules may include:
- No phone use while driving
- No speeding
- No impaired driving
- Passenger limits
- Curfew expectations
- Seat belt requirements
- A plan for calling home if they need a safe ride
Parents can also use teen driving safety resources to start conversations about rules, risks, and safe habits.
Practice can also help. Parents can ride with teens on highways, in rain, through crowded parking lots, and on unfamiliar roads before they drive those routes alone.
Summer Driving Safety Tips For Longer Trips
Many summer accidents happen when drivers are traveling farther than usual. Before a longer drive, take time to prepare your vehicle and your route.
Before leaving, drivers should:
- Check tires, brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and fluid levels
- Plan rest stops
- Avoid driving while tired
- Slow down during summer storms
- Increase following distance on wet roads
- Use headlights when visibility is low
- Buckle up every time
It also helps to review your route before leaving. Looking at directions, traffic patterns, and rest areas in advance can reduce last-minute decisions behind the wheel.
What To Do If You Are Injured In A Summer Car Accident
Even careful drivers can be injured because of another driver’s actions. If you are involved in a crash during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, the steps you take afterward can matter.
After a summer car accident:
- Call 911 and request emergency help if anyone is hurt.
- Get medical attention, even if symptoms seem minor at first.
- Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver, police, or insurance company.
- Contact a car accident attorney before accepting a settlement.
A car accident attorney can review the facts, explain your options, communicate with the insurance company, and help protect your claim.
Injured In A Summer Car Accident? Call Cellino Law.
The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer are a reminder that safe driving matters. Still, serious accidents can happen when another driver is careless.
If you or a loved one were injured in a summer car accident, Cellino Law can help. Our attorneys can review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Call 888-888-8888 or complete our online contact form for a free case evaluation.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Timothy Cellino
Timothy Cellino
As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community.
I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.
