Many teens love the rush of excitement they get when school’s finally out for summer. It should be an enjoyable time filled with holiday celebrations, family vacations, outings with friends, and lots of rest.

Unfortunately, what are supposed to be carefree summers can quickly turn catastrophic for many teens and their families. Car wrecks are so consistently high in the summer months that the American Automobile Association (AAA) has dubbed the stretch between Memorial and Labor Days the “100 Deadliest Days.”

Explore why teen traffic fatalities are at their highest between late May and early September and what drivers should do if they’re involved in a summertime crash.

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Summer Spikes in Texas Roadway Fatalities

Summer surges in deadly car crashes aren’t just folklore. Official statistics support this fact:

  • According to the AAA, 30% of teen-involved fatal crashes happen in the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day
  • August was the deadliest month in 2024 for interstate crash fatalities and second only to October for total fatalities
  • Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day are the top three most dangerous holidays of the year for motor vehicle crash fatalities in Texas
  • Most fatal crashes on Texas roads happen in the evening and late at night, when many teens are hanging out with friends

Knowing that summer can be a dangerous time for teen drivers is important. However, it’s also critical to know why this is the case.

Why Does Summer Bring a Surge in Deadly Crashes?

 There are several reasons why driving in the summer can be riskier than in other seasons. Here are the factors that typically contribute to higher roadway fatalities during this time:

School Breaks

Most Texas school calendars allow for a two- to three-month summer break. In many cases, this is when high school students have time to obtain their driver’s licenses. Their inexperience can lead to poor decision-making in critical moments.
Many teens who are just learning the rules of the road are also excited to drive their friends around. Passengers like these can be very distracting, and these distractions are worsened by phone calls and social media notifications.

Widely Celebrated Holidays

Many people celebrate Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day by traveling to major cities in Texas, leading to increased congestion on the roadways. Adding alcohol can be a recipe for disaster, and DUI-related crashes tend to spike in the summer.

Increased Road Work

Road work increases significantly in the summer months due to more favorable weather conditions and longer daylight hours. More road work brings the possibility of road obstructions, sudden lane changes, reduced speed limits, flashing lights, and construction crews moving equipment around.

Many drivers fail to slow down and pay more attention to their surroundings, resulting in more accidents.

Car Malfunctions

The Texas heat can be quite hard on vehicles. Tire pressure increases in the summer, which can make them wear out more quickly and lead to blowouts. In addition, car batteries and engines can overheat, causing components to warp, seize, and fail in the middle of a trip.

Overheated brake fluid can also reduce your stopping power. New drivers aren’t usually well-versed in handling these sudden malfunctions, and poor decisions in the moment can lead to serious accidents.

Drowsy Driving

Many families love long road trips in the summer. Your teen may even have dreams of driving cross-country with their friends while school is out.

However, long trips can make drivers sleepy, and research shows that drowsy driving can have the same effects as drunk driving. This means response times behind the wheel may be slower, increasing the potential for crashes.

What to Do in the Aftermath of a Summer Car Accident

While it’s a great idea to take precautions and try to avoid accidents amid increased summer risks, there’s no way to control the actions of every driver. Crashes can and do happen. If you or your teen has been the victim of a recent car accident, consider getting in touch with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.

Your lawyer can take the time to thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering the necessary evidence to hold negligent drivers responsible and bolster a compensation claim. With the help of the right legal professional, you can have peace of mind that you have an advocate on your side working toward justice for you and your family.