In New Mexico, the summer is a time for people to take to the road and enjoy leisure activities and vacations. This is especially true for teens. However, with the freedom from school and work comes danger. Teen drivers can be hazardous behind the wheel and understanding the statistics behind certain motor vehicle accidents (MVA) is imperative.
Navigating the “100 Deadliest Days” on the road
The time from Memorial Day through Labor Day is called the “100 Deadliest Days” due to the troubling number of teens who are involved in fatal accidents. The numbers accrued and analyzed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety are problematic every year. There are certain common denominators. For example, 2016 had more than 1,050 deaths in auto accidents with teen drivers. This was 14% higher than at other times during the year.
There are several reasons why there is this spike in accidents during the summer. The time at which teens are driving is a concern with nighttime driving a lingering worry. Of all fatal crashes involving teens, 36% happen from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. In the 100 Deadliest Days, there is a 22% rise in the number of nighttime accidents involving a teen driver. Speeding is also a problem with 29% of all auto fatalities involving teens being linked to speed. In addition, teens are vulnerable to temptations, such as distracted driving and driving under the influence. In combination, these factors increase the chance of an MVA occurring that could cause injuries and death.
Dealing with the challenges after an auto accident
Parents are encouraged to emphasize the importance of road safety when their teens head out on the road during the summer. Unfortunately, many will ignore the advice to drive within the speed limit, avoid nighttime driving, pay attention to the road and adhere to the basics for safety. When there is an accident, those involved may be confronted with catastrophic injuries, major medical expenses, lost income and loss of life. Knowing the options available to address these issues is key, and having professional advice can be beneficial from the outset.
