Florida teens and summer driving sets the stage for car accidents

Florida roads are rife with risk year-round, but the summer is especially treacherous with the number of people who converge on the state. With an agreeable climate, many attractions and activities available, it is inevitable that the roads will be congested. Florida is also the home to many colleges and is a hotbed for younger people. They are out of school and will play a more active role as drivers. Every year, the American Automobile Association (AAA) emphasizes the need for safe driving during the summer. Unfortunately, many ignore their entreaties and drive recklessly, negligently, are distracted, drive under the influence and have accidents with injuries and fatalities.

The litany of challenges that arise after an auto accident can have a negative impact on a person financially, physically and personally. Adhering to safety is a strategy to avoid these collisions. When they do happen, those who were involved should have knowledge as to how they can seek compensation and move forward. Relying on insurance companies might not yield the results people need. Therefore, it is useful to have professional help from the beginning.

The 100 Deadliest Days started on Memorial Day weekend

The AAA calls the 100 days from the start of Memorial Day through the summer the “100 Deadliest Days.” It is during this narrow window that more than 30% of teen road fatalities happen. When calculating the percentage within a short window, it is understandable that regulators, researchers and parents are concerned. The template starts on Memorial Day and goes through Labor Day – exactly the duration when many teens are off from school and out and about.

Even with the ongoing societal concerns, people are increasingly venturing out. Businesses are opening and life is returning to some semblance of normalcy. Florida has been ahead of the curve in that regard. Still, teens tend to have a greater chance of an accident when on the road. New drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 have triple the chance of being in a fatal crash vs. adults. Specifically, there are nearly 2,100 fatal accidents involving teen drivers every year. Between 2010 and 2019, more than 7,000 people were killed in summer collisions in which a teen was involved. In Florida, 36 teens – on average – are in a fatal accident in those 100 days. Over the last decade, there were 400 people killed in accidents in which teen drivers were involved.

Because teens are new to the road, they tend to make mistakes. Judgment is not as honed for teens as it is for older, experienced drivers. They often believe they can multitask with texting and driving, interact with passengers, commit risky maneuvers, drive at excessive speeds, drive while drowsy and get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. Not only are they placing themselves in danger, but they are placing other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians at risk as well. After an accident, those who have been hurt or lost a loved one should think about how their lives will change and act accordingly.

Having comprehensive and trustworthy guidance is key after an accident

It is a nightmare scenario for parents to watch their teen drivers head out the door only to receive a phone call that they were in an auto accident. It can be life-changing in myriad ways. People who find themselves facing medical expenses, long-term damage and the possibility that they will need extended care often make the mistake of thinking their insurance policy will cover them and provide everything they need. This can leave them lacking certain services and dealing with financial turmoil. Even if a person and his or her family is skeptical that professional guidance is necessary, it still makes sense to gather information as to how compensation can be maximized whether it is through a settlement or by other means.