Summer Driving - 100 Days

A few weeks ago, we honored our fallen military members on a day that also marks the unofficial start of summer – Memorial Day. While summer frequently brings excitement to the air, as a seasoned car accident attorney, I know all too well that it also brings something more ominous: 100 days.

The 100 days that follow Memorial Day are known as the "100 deadliest days" for teen drivers. There have been many studies that track this, and according to AAA, there is a 16% increase in car accidents over this time every year. The explanations for this statistic aren't difficult to identify: kids are out of school, there's an increase in bicyclists, motorcyclists, and runners on the roads, corn crops make it difficult to see at intersections near farms. There are endless reasons why these next 100 days are so dangerous. But what can you do?

For starters, recognize these increased risks and drive defensively. Slow down as you near intersections with lessened visibility, always remember to look twice (you may not have noticed a motorcycle coming towards you), and slow down a little and enjoy the warmer weather. Remember that there are more young drivers on the road than usual, and be patient!

Another thing you should do is take a few moments to educate yourself on what to do if you ever find yourself in the horrible situation of being injured in an accident. We have plenty of materials on our website that discuss the steps you should take if you or a loved one are injured in a car accident. If it's serious – consult an attorney as quickly as possible. The biggest mistake people make in handling injury accidents is trying to handle it themselves; more on this in an upcoming video blog.

Keep this article in mind the next time you go for a drive. It never hurts to be extra cautious. If you find yourself facing the unfortunate situation of being injured in an accident that was not your fault – we're here for you. Stay safe!