Coloradans and people across the country are welcoming summer with open arms after a long year in which the Covid-19 pandemic temporarily changed the way we live.
As the weather warms and infection levels decline, many are ready to hit the road. It is important to remember that summer is the most dangerous season for teen drivers.
The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day typically see the most deaths in teen-driving-related car crashes across the country, according to AAA. More than 7,000 people die in these accidents across the country each summer, a rate of seven per day.
“There are more daily deaths in crashes involving teen drivers during the summer months than the rest of the year because teens tend to have more unstructured time behind the wheel,” Jake Nelson, AAA’s traffic safety advocacy and research director, recently said. “So what can be done? We can encourage teens to double down on staying focused when driving, buckling up for every ride, and driving within posted speed limits.”
The automotive club and safety advocate recently highlighted particular safety hazards for teens that young drivers (and their parents) should keep in mind.
- Distracted driving: Whether it is because of texting behind the wheel or talking with friends in the car, drivers who take their eyes and minds off of the road pose a serious threat to themselves and others. Distraction plays a role in nearly 60% of teen driver accidents, according to AAA.
- Speeding: Excessive speed kills. Speeding drivers have a harder time slowing, stopping and reacting to traffic around them. Accidents at high speeds are more likely to cause catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Speeding is a factor in nearly 30% of teen driver accidents, according to AAA.
- No seatbelts: Buckling up is an easy way to significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision. Nearly 50% of people killed inside a vehicle during a crash are not wearing a seatbelt at the time, according to AAA.
Teens and parents should also take steps to ensure that their vehicles are in good working order before hitting the road. That means bringing the car in for regular maintenance and inspection, checking for recalls and making sure that tires have the recommended amount of pressure.
How a Denver Accident Attorney Can Help You
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Colorado, a Denver accident attorney at Levine Law can help you get back on your feet by maximizing your compensation.
At Levine Law, our personal injury lawyers combine decades of experience helping people injured in a wide range of accidents get the money they deserve. Our firm is proud of our strong track record of success for the people that we represent in the courtroom and through a negotiated settlement.
Our firm is pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver accident attorney.
