Car accidents involving teen drivers spike in the summer
Summer is supposed to be a carefree time for teens. That means no school, plenty of sunshine, and long days spent with friends. But there’s a sobering truth behind those summer road trips and beach runs. This season is also the most dangerous time of year for teen drivers. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, what AAA calls the “100 Deadliest Days,” car accidents involving teen drivers spike. It’s not just a seasonal fluke; it’s a pattern backed by years of crash data, and it’s claiming lives.
What do the numbers tell us?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,135 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers between 2019 and 2023. That’s not just teen drivers; it includes passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. More than 30% of those deaths happened during the 100 Deadliest Days. In Delaware, the percentage is even higher.
"Looking at a five-year period between 2019 and 2023, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, we saw 21 deaths due to crashes involving a teen driver. During the rest of that year, we saw 42 fatalities," said Jana Tidwell of AAA Mid-Atlantic. This isn't just a local problem; it’s a nationwide trend.
Why are the summer months so dangerous?
When school’s out, teens suddenly have more time on their hands and more reasons to drive. They’re heading to summer jobs, picking up friends, and staying out later. That means more time behind the wheel, often with less structure and fewer adult eyes around.
For many, it’s also the first time they’re truly driving solo for long periods. Mix that inexperience with warm-weather socializing and riskier driving behaviors, and the outcome can be tragic.
The role of risky behavior
According to AAA, unsafe driving habits among teens are becoming more common, and it’s not just one or two bad choices behind the wheel. It's a pattern of risky behavior that can have deadly consequences, especially during the busy summer months. Some of the most concerning habits include:
- Texting while driving: Just a few seconds of looking down at a phone can be enough to miss a red light, blow through a stop sign, or fail to see a pedestrian. Teen drivers, who are still learning to manage distractions, may not fully grasp how quickly things can go wrong when they take their eyes off the road.
- Speeding: It may seem like a shortcut to get somewhere faster, especially on open roads, but higher speeds mean less time to react and far more serious injuries in a crash.
- Not wearing seatbelts: Despite decades of public safety campaigns, some teens still skip wearing seatbelts. Whether it's because they’re in a hurry, riding with friends, or just forgetful, the consequences of a crash can be fatal.
- Running red lights or stop signs: This often stems from inexperience or overconfidence. Teens may misjudge the timing or feel pressure to keep up with friends, but the risk of a serious collision is high.
- Driving under the influence: It might seem like an obvious line not to cross, but impaired driving still happens. Some teens think they’re fine to drive, not realizing how even small amounts of alcohol or marijuana can cloud judgment and slow reaction time.
What can parents do?
Parents might feel powerless once their teen pulls out of the driveway, but what they say and do matters more than they might think. That means buckling up every time, staying off your phone, obeying the speed limit, and remaining calm behind the wheel. Teens are watching, even when it doesn’t seem like it. Families should also have open conversations about driving safety. Go beyond the basics and talk about:
- Why speed limits exist
- What distracted driving really looks like
- The dangers of drowsy or impaired driving
Also, have your teen activate the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature on their phone. It silences notifications so they’re not tempted to glance down at a message or call while on the road.
Consider a driver's ed refresher
Even if your teen has already passed their road test, a comprehensive driver education course can give them a deeper understanding of real-world driving risks. Some courses also include sessions for parents, helping everyone stay on the same page. The more time teens spend learning to drive safely in low-pressure environments, the better equipped they’ll be when things get hectic on the road.
Not every teen driver is to blame
It’s easy to assume that teen drivers are always at fault when they're involved in accidents, but that’s not always the case. Many teens follow the rules, stay focused, and drive responsibly. Unfortunately, they still get caught in crashes caused by speeding adults, distracted drivers, or people who fail to yield the right of way.
Some teens are hit while driving to work or running errands. Others are passengers in cars driven by older friends or relatives who make reckless choices. And too often, teens are unfairly blamed simply because of their age.
At Gill, Welsh, and Chamberlain, P.A., we know how to sort out what really happened. If your teen was injured because of someone else’s negligence, we’ll investigate the crash, gather the facts, and fight for your family’s right to full compensation. Responsible young drivers deserve strong legal support too—and we’re here to provide it.
Injured in a crash involving a teen driver? We’re here to help.
If you or your teen has been injured in a crash, the Delaware car accident lawyers at Gill, Welsh, and Chamberlain, P.A. are here to help. We know how to hold the right parties accountable and get maximum compensation for our clients. Whether you're dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, or the stress of insurance companies trying to downplay your case, our legal team is ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Crashes involving teen drivers often involve complicated issues of negligence, liability, and insurance coverage. Our attorneys know how to cut through the confusion and build a strong case backed by facts, evidence, and experienced legal insight. We’ve been helping families in Georgetown and across Sussex County since 1983, and we’re not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies who try to downplay your pain or pressure you into accepting less than you’re owed.
Every moment counts after a crash. Don’t wait and risk losing the evidence or witnesses that could make the difference in your case. Contact us online or call today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options clearly, and get to work on your case, so you can focus on healing.