AAA says that, for every mile traveled, teen drivers are three times more likely than adults are to be in a fatal crash. Teens are at an especially high risk for a crash in the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Both parents and teens in California should know that this period is referred to as the “100 deadliest days.” They can be deadly because they coincide with summer break.
Whatever the time of year, teen drivers already tend to act in risky ways. According to a AAA survey called the Traffic Safety Culture Index, 72% of teen drivers engage in one or more negligent actions. The offenses most frequently admitted to were going more than 10 miles over the speed limit in residential areas (47%), going 15 miles over the speed limit on freeways (40%), texting (35%) and running red lights (32%).
Between 2008 and 2018, there were more than 8,300 fatalities arising from teen driving crashes during the 100 deadliest days. This amounts to over seven deaths for every day of summer. During this period, then, parents should be extra vigilant and start by talking to their teens about safety. They can establish family rules for driving and try to supervise teens in their driving for a minimum of 50 hours.
Those who suffer at the hands of a negligent or reckless teen driver may file a personal injury claim and be compensated for their losses, including their medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair costs and pain and suffering. Before filing, they may want a lawyer to evaluate it. If they retain the lawyer, he or she may provide the advice and guidance needed for the claim to be successful. The lawyer may negotiate for a settlement with the auto insurance companies.