Memorial Day Kicks Off “100 Deadliest Days” for Motorists

Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the unofficial kickoff of the summer season. Unfortunately, however, it’s also the start of a season that has been deemed to be the “100 Deadliest Days for Drivers.”¹

That’s because, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, there’s typically a huge jump in the number of car accidents that occur on U.S. roads. In fact, the top 3 most dangerous times to be on the roads occur during the 100 Deadliest Days, with these being:

1. July 4^th – Based on federal data, this is the single day of the year that consistently sees the highest rate of fatal car accidents.
2. Labor Day weekend
3. Memorial Day weekend.

The 100 Deadliest Days for Drivers: Why Car Accidents Spike in the Summer

On the surface, it may be surprising to find out that summer is one of the riskiest times to drive. After all, winter conditions (especially in Colorado) can present new driving challenges (like icy roads) that aren’t a factor in summer.

Nevertheless, the following factors that come into play during the summertime tend to make this season the single riskiest time to be on the roads:

• Inexperienced teen drivers are driving much more in the summer – With school out in the summer, teen drivers tend to drive at least 40 percent more (than they do in the fall or wintertime). Additionally, during the summer, teen motorists:
  • Do less “routine” driving– In other words, their driving time isn’t primarily focused on going to and from school; instead, it’s more likely to be spent traveling to non-routine places, which can increase the crash risk for these less experienced drivers.
  • Are more likely to be driving with teen passengers in their vehicles – When even just one other teen is riding with a teen driver, the crash risk goes up by at least 2.5 times. And, with each additional teen passenger added, this risk continues to grow (due to the propensity for distraction, showing off, etc.).²
• More travelers in general are on the roads – During the summer months, teen drivers aren’t the only ones to hit the roads in greater force; motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others also tend to be out in greater numbers. And more travelers on the roads can naturally increase the risk of crashes, as the driving conditions are more complicated – and there’s a greater chance that people may be sharing the road with an impaired, distracted or careless driver.
• Drunk driving tends to increase in the summer – In fact, about 40 percent of all deadly traffic crashes that take place during the summer involve alcohol impairment.³

What do you think about the elevated crash risk associated with the summertime? What can we do stop people from texting and driving? Share your opinions with us on Facebook & Google+.

Contact Englewood Attorney D.J. Banovitz

If you have been hurt in any type of traffic accident, contact Englewood Attorney D.J. Banovitz for experienced help pursuing recovery and justice. Since 1994, Attorney D.J. Banovitz has been effectively representing people injured in motor vehicle accidents, protecting their rights and advancing their interests both inside and outside of court.

To discuss your potential case and options for justice, contact Attorney D.J. Banovitz by calling (303) 300-5060 or by sending our firm an email via the contact form on this page.

From offices based in Englewood, Colorado, Attorney D.J. Banovitz provides the highest quality representation to injured people throughout Arapahoe County, Denver County, Douglas County and the state of Colorado.

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1: Term reportedly coined by The AAA Foundation

2: According to the NHTSA

3: Also according to the NHTSA