Every parent of a teen driver in Illinois should know about what are called the “100 deadliest days,” a period spanning from Memorial Day to Labor Day where the number of crashes involving teen drivers goes up. According to AAA, there were over 8
Every parent of a teen driver in Illinois should know about what are called the “100 deadliest days,” a period spanning from Memorial Day to Labor Day where the number of crashes involving teen drivers goes up. According to AAA, there were over 8,300 fatalities arising from such crashes in the 100 deadliest days from 2008 to 2018.
Teens are naturally inexperienced behind the wheel as well as more prone to drive negligently or recklessly. For this reason, they are around three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than adults are.
An AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index found that 72% of drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 engage in some form of unsafe behavior. For instance, 47% will speed in residential areas, and 40% admitted to doing so on freeways. 35% text and drive, and 25% will drive while drowsy. Seventeen percent would not wear their seatbelts.
Parents must sit down with their teens, then, and give a good talk about avoiding these and other unsafe behaviors, such as impaired driving, during the summer season. Perhaps they could set up times to supervise some practice driving with their teens. Fifty hours of supervision is recommended. Above all, though, parents must practice what they preach, or their teens will not take their advice seriously.
Those who are unsafe behind the wheel and who cause a crash can be held liable for any injuries on the other side. As for victims, they may want to speak with an attorney who works in personal injury law. After a case evaluation, the attorney may determine how much victims might be eligible for in economic and non-economic damages. Once the case is ready, the attorney may speak on victims’ behalf at the negotiation table or in the courtroom.