The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known among motor safety experts as the “100 Deadly Days of Summer” due to a significant increase in fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
On average last year between the two holidays, seven people died per day nationwide from accidents involving teen drivers. And AAA of Michigan notes that the largest percentage of fatal crashes related to teenage drivers happens in the 100 Deadly Days of Summer. AAA said that traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens ages 16-19, and here in Michigan, an average of 63 teen drivers are involved in fatal car crashes every year.
The biggest distraction for teen drivers is other teen passengers. The second biggest distraction is cell phones and in-vehicle infotainment systems. Plus, failing to use a seatbelt and speeding are among the other top factors in crashes. In fact, speeding is a factor in almost 30% of fatal teen driver crashes.
What Can Parents Do to Help Reduce Teenage Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Some of the ways that parents can help prevent teen car accidents include the following:
- Make wearing a seat belt mandatory;
- Encourage teens not to drink and drive;
- Eliminate potential driving distractions;
- Folow the speed limits and road signs; and
- Follow Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing Law (GDL).
What is Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing Law?
GDL is designed to help teens gradually and safely gain driving skills and experience. This program is responsible for a 20-40% drop in teen crashes.
In Michigan, GDL consists of two segments of driver education instruction and three licensing levels. Driver Education Segment 1 includes a minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction; minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction; and a minimum of four hours of observation time as a passenger in a training vehicle. Driver Education Segment 2 includes a minimum of six hours of classroom instruction.
Level 1 Learner’s License: Teens may only drive with a licensed parent, guardian or designated licensed adult 21 or older.
Level 2 Intermediate License: Along with other limitations, teens may drive between 5am and 10pm to work and other authorized activities.
Level 3 Full License : with a Level 3 license, there are no state-imposed license restrictions.
It’s important for parents to provide and set limits for their teen drivers. They play a critical part in helping teens survive their most dangerous driving years. Parents who set, monitor, and enforce safe driving practices have teens who are less likely to receive traffic tickets or be involved in automobile accidents—especially during the 100 Deadly Days of Summer.
Contact Us
For a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney in Grand Rapids, contact Buchanan Firm. Our firm proudly serves people all across Michigan, including major cities like Grand Rapids and Detroit, and rural towns such as Lowell, Ada, Fremont, Newaygo, Grand Haven, Rockford, and Cedar Springs.