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What Are the ‘100 Deadliest Days’ for Car Accidents?

• June 17, 2019
• Sandy

LOS ANGELES – Every year, as we approach the long days of summer, car accidents in America become more frequent. Summer’s higher accident rate is so pronounced that it has been dubbed the “100 Deadliest Days” by safety experts. What are the 100 Deadliest Days, and why do accidents increase during this time? A Los Angeles car accident lawyer explains…

Timeframe of 100 Deadliest Days

The timeframe for the 100 Deadliest Days begins on Memorial Day every year and ends on Labor Day, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer with The Barnes Firm said. These two holidays bookend the summer months and are also large traveling days themselves. Typically, the term “100 Deadliest Days” applies to car accidents involving teenagers. Teen driving accidents see the greatest increase during the summer.

Because students are on summer break from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day, they’re on the roads far more than during the school year, which means they have more opportunities to be involved in accidents. In the last five years alone, about 3,500 people died in vehicle accidents involving teenage drivers that took place during the 100 Deadliest Days.

However, teenagers aren’t the only demographic prone to accidents in the summer. Overall, accidents tend to rise in the U.S. and California from June to September. While we usually associate summer with calm, warm weather, rain and storms contribute to many car accidents during these months.

Driving Behaviors that Lead to Car Accidents in 100 Deadliest Days

Aside from inclement weather, several dangerous driving behaviors contribute to car accidents during the 100 Deadliest Days. These include:

• Speeding – There’s something about a warm, open road that makes people want to drive a little faster. Drivers’ rates of speed prior to a car accident greatly influence the severity of injuries and damage. When drivers travel above the speed limit, they are increasing the likelihood that any ensuing accident will result in higher amounts of vehicle damage and more serious injuries.
• Driving Under the Influence – Summer brings numerous opportunities for outdoor parties, concerts, sporting events, and social gatherings. Often, these events involve alcohol, and people do not always make safe choices about driving. AAA reports that one out of every six teenagers involved in an accident during the 100 Deadliest Days has alcohol in his or her system.
• Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is an increasingly worrisome issue, and it does not relent during the summer. Drivers of all ages engage in distracted behavior behind the wheel, but studies find that teenagers are particularly prone. Teen drivers are more influenced by passengers in their cars and are more likely to use their phones for messaging, emailing, and browsing while driving.

Knowing about the risks associated with the summer months, drivers can take steps to prevent car accidents not only during the summer but all year long. A Los Angeles car accident lawyer says it’s important to follow posted speed limits, arrange for sober rides home after consuming alcohol, and remove as many distractions in your vehicle as possible. All states have laws against drinking and driving, and many states now have anti-distracted driving laws.

In California, drivers cannot hold cell phones except to make emergency calls. If drivers want to use their phones in their cars, under California law, they have to use hands-free technology, like Bluetooth. Drivers under the age of 18, however, cannot even use their phones in hands-free mode. Regardless of age, staying off your phone while driving is always the safest choice.

Injured In An Accident?

Even the safest drivers can find themselves on the wrong side of collision. After any accident, it’s crucial to get immediate medical attention, then call The Barnes Firm for a free case evaluation. Without the right representation on your side, you could be paying a lot more than you need to. The experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm will go over every aspect of your case, and hire the best experts in their fields so you can be confident you’ll get the best result possible.

Call The Barnes Firm for a FREE consultation.

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