Teenage drivers across the United States have the highest fatal accident rate when compared to other age groups. There is always some level of risk, and it is largely because they are inexperienced. A driver who has not had much practice is going to make avoidable mistakes, and some of those mistakes are going to lead to traffic accidents.
This summer, teen accident rates are only going to climb. Research finds that these rates go up every summer, in the roughly 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
You may not be a teenager yourself, but this means that you also face elevated risks anytime you are out with your family, commuting to work, driving to the grocery store or otherwise sharing the road with these young drivers.
Why do the rates go up?
It is not that teenagers are necessarily more dangerous in the summer, but that they are on the road more often.
In this sense, school actually helps to keep them and others safe. Teenagers who are in class spend far less time driving. During the summer, they have a lot more free time, and some of them work summer jobs, so a higher percentage of drivers around you will be teenagers.
It is also possible that teens will make risky decisions during the summer. They may be more likely to drink and drive as they socialize with their peers. They may get distracted while driving with their friends and talking to passengers. Summer can be a carefree and fun time, but if that leads to irresponsible driving, it can also cause severe auto accidents.
Compensation for medical bills and more
If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver, you could find yourself facing high medical bills, substantial lost wages and other damages. You may have a right to financial compensation, so it is important to know what legal steps to take.