While North Carolina students are celebrating the conclusion of another academic year, local police departments and hospitals are preparing for what is known as “the 100 deadliest days” for teen drivers. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is labeled the most dangerous for young drivers due to the high number of fatal crashes that happen when schools are closed for summer.
To be clear, too many teens are killed in motor vehicle accidents throughout the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for teens 15 to 18 years old. In 2023, 822 teen drivers died from injuries sustained in a car crash in the U.S., and 105 teens (ages 15 – 19) were killed in crashes on North Carolina roads.
There tends to be an increase in fatal driving accidents when school is not in session because teen drivers have more time to spend behind the wheel. In a study reported by AAA, from 2013 to 2022, more than 6,000 people across the country were killed in teen driver-related crashes during the summer.
More hours on the roads, combined with newly licensed drivers, is a perfect storm of sorts for North Carolina car accidents involving young drivers. Experts stress another issue that fuels the increased number of fatalities. Teens are still learning how to safely divert themselves from dangerous situations in traffic, and with their underdeveloped prefrontal cortex, they often exhibit poor behavior while on the road.
Vikas Keshri, MSW, RSW, a psychotherapist based in Toronto, recently spoke to Parents Magazine on the issue, describing teen drivers as “wired to be bolder and underestimate risk.”
Teens often lack the skills to make quick judgment calls, which can be exacerbated by a lack of sleep, stress, anxiety, and peer influence, Keshri explained.
Actions linked to dangerous teen driving include driving too fast, distracted driving, such as using a cell phone, driving while intoxicated, allowing too many passengers in the vehicle, and permitting passengers to ride without seatbelts.
Ways Parents Can Support Teen Drivers
First and foremost, parents should instill in their child that all drivers must be cautious and no matter how mature or how skilled you are, anyone can find themselves involved in a North Carolina car accident. Car crashes are often unpredictable and happen quickly. Here are a few more tips for parents to help their children lock in lifelong good driving habits.
Keep repeating the rules: The North Carolina Department of Transportation offers safety information for new drivers, including a “do and don’t” list with well-known rules like no drinking and driving, no texting while behind the wheel, and limiting the number of passengers in the car. Although your teen has likely heard these rules, it is recommended that parents continue to review them with their teen frequently.
Create a parent-teen driving contract: A parent-teen driving agreement or contract can further help establish expectations. It should include family rules like when the teen is allowed to drive, where they can go, who they can drive with, and safety rules. A parent can also include a list of the consequences for breaking the rules.
Driving time with your teen: North Carolina requires 60 hours of supervised driving hours with a learner’s permit. During this time and even after your teen graduates to a provisional license, parents riding in the car with their teen can expose them to different driving scenarios. This will help them become a more confident driver in imperfect situations.
Be a good example: Parents should remember, they are their child’s number one role model. They need to show them good habits both on the road as well as in difficult times.
Parenting takes time and patience, especially when it comes to young drivers. If a driving mishap occurs, parents should ensure calmness while engaging in necessary conversations.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a teen driving accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. The experienced North Carolina car accident lawyers at the Whitley Law Firm are here to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing. Call us today at (919) 785-5000 or schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help.
Whitley Law Firm Injury Lawyers is a family affair—in all the ways that matter. Partner Ben Whitley works with his father and brother to create a formidable force when representing clients. After all, helping injured individuals—people who have the deck stacked against them when fighting corporations—is why the Whitleys got into the business in the first place.
