100 Dangerous Days of Summer: How Teen Drivers Increase Harrisburg Car Accident Risks

Teens look forward to summer, when they have more time to devote to part-time jobs and hanging out with friends. This often translates into more time on the road, which increases the risk of teen car accidents in Harrisburg.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Dangerous Days of Summer, when teen crashes are more common than at any other time of year. Our Harrisburg car accident lawyer represents victims in these cases and sees the devastating harm that often results. Find out more about the risks and who may be held liable in the event of a crash or collision.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Teen Car Accidents in Harrisburg

While summer is a favorite time of year for teens, it’s also one of the most dangerous times of year for them to be on the road. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), car accidents involving teen drivers are more common and can have devastating consequences on everyone involved.

As many as 3,000 people are killed in collisions involving teen drivers each year, and more than 30 percent occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, all motorists need to be aware of the risks.

Teens have less driving experience, which can lead them to make dangerous mistakes and miscalculations on the road. They are also more likely to engage in reckless behaviors, such as:

• Texting, talking to passengers, and other types of distracted driving.
• Speeding, racing other motorists, and going too fast for conditions.
• Disregarding red lights and other traffic signs or signals.
• Cutting drivers off and other types of aggressive driving.
• Driving while excessively fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the odds of crashes and collisions.

Parents need to take precautions to protect teen drivers, such as monitoring where and when they drive and limiting passengers. When they don’t, they may be liable for injuries that result.

When Parents Can Be Held Liable for Harrisburg Car Crashes Involving Teen Drivers

Reckless behavior by teen drivers endangers them, their passengers, and other motorists on the road. Ways in which parents can be held responsible:

• Pennsylvania’s Parental Responsibility Law allows victims to hold parents liable when they knowingly permit their minor child to engage in dangerous behavior.
• Parents can also be held accountable under the legal concept of negligent entrustment if they knew their teen was inexperienced, reckless, or otherwise posed risks on the road.

Holding parents accountable can help victims get the total amount needed to recover. It also sends a strong message, potentially preventing similar crashes.

Request a Consultation With An Experienced Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer Today

Car accidents in Harrisburg involving teen drivers can cause devastating harm to passengers and other motorists involved. At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we help victims and their families get the compensation they need to recover. Contact us today and request a consultation with our experienced Harrisburg car accident lawyer.

Source:

aaafoundation.org/teen-driver-safety