The top 100 deadliest days of summer

The period between Memorial Day at the end of May and Labor Day at the beginning of September is often called the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, as this roughly 100-day period sees a significant increase in the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents, especially accidents involving teen drivers. Rates of teen fatalities in car accidents increase by approximately 25 percent during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. 

Read more: Types Of Brain Injuries You Can Sustain In A Car Accident

Top Reasons for the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer

Although the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer are often thought of as a problem particular to teen drivers, fatal motor vehicle accident rates actually increase for all age groups during the summer. Some of the most frequent reasons why summer represents such a deadly time for drivers and others on the road include:

• Increased numbers of teen drivers on the road, as teenagers are out of school and spend their summers working and hanging out with their friends.
• Increased numbers of pedestrians and bicyclists taking advantage of the warmer weather.
• Traffic jams, caused by greater numbers of people out on the road and road construction. 
• Distracted driving, including texting-while-driving, reaching around the passenger compartment, using a navigation device or a car infotainment system or radio, eating or drinking, or interacting with other passengers or pets inside the vehicle.
• Speeding, including driving too fast for road or weather conditions
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, as many people go to parties, barbecues, and events during the summer where they consume alcohol or use drugs.
• Fatigued driving, with the longer summer days meaning that people get up earlier and stay out later. 

Read more: 6 Things You Should Do After A Car Accident In New Jersey

How to Stay Safe During the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer

You can help keep yourself and others out on the road safer during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer by following some simple safety tips:

• Avoid using your cell phone while behind the wheel. Putting your phone on “do not disturb” can help avoid the temptation to look at your phone. If you need to use your phone for navigation, put it on a mount at your eye level. Remember to program your phone or navigation device before setting off.
• Limit conversation with your passengers; if necessary, provide young children with books or tablets to help keep them occupied.
• Never drink or use drugs and then drive, and refuse to ride with any driver who has been drinking or using drugs. 
• Put on your seat belt and require any passengers to wear theirs.
• Remember to take regular stops during long road trips to get out and stretch or eat meals, which can help avoid fatigue.
• Avoid driving after a long day or at night when you might feel most fatigued.
• Plan your route before you leave, and try to leave earlier to give yourself extra time in case you get delayed due to traffic or road conditions.
• Avoid the temptation to speed or drive recklessly, even if you are rushing to get to your destination.
• Try to avoid hitting the road in bad weather. If you get caught on the road in a summer thunderstorm or other adverse weather, consider pulling off the road where safe to do so and waiting out the weather before continuing on.

Contact a Clark Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? There are steps that should be taken as soon as possible to ensure that you are fully compensated for the damages caused by the negligent party. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Team Law represent clients injured because of car accidents in Clifton, Trenton, Camden, Passaic, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 540-1394 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 136 Central Ave., Clark, NJ 07066, as well as offices in West New York, Perth Amboy, Edison, Summit, Newark, New Brunswick, Orange, Plainfield, and Jersey City.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.