This time of year, many parents of teen drivers are concerned that we’re in the “100 deadliest days” on the roads. Those are the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day when there are more teen fatalities in car crashes than any other time of year.
All drivers, however, need to be concerned about the increased dangers on the road during the summer. Almost two-thirds of people injured or killed in crashes in this period are not teen drivers.
The dangers posed by some teen drivers
Certainly, the fact that more inexperienced teen drivers are on the road contributes to the increased dangers. When you combine that with the use of alcohol and drugs by some teens and the general lessening of restrictions and schedules during the summer, you’ve got a deadly mix of factors that can cause serious crashes.
New York, like other states, has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law. Nassau and Suffolk counties also have junior driver license restrictions. However, that doesn’t mean that all teens adhere to them. Other teen passengers in particular can be one of the most – if not the most dangerous distractions.
There’s no way you can avoid sharing the road with teen drivers, or with any driver who may not be as cautious as they should be or know how to react to sudden, unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the added dangers of summer driving for all of us.
If you or a loved one has been injured or worse in a crash caused by a teen driver, you should know that they likely are insured under a parent’s policy. You have every right to seek compensation for the cost of medical bills, car repairs and other expenses and damages. By having legal guidance, you can help ensure that you don’t settle for less than you’re due.