Your odds of being involved in a car accident caused by a teenage driver go up during the 100 days of summer break. This is generally the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 50% of fatal accidents involving teenagers happen during this timeframe. This means that there is a significant increase in the summer, as opposed to the rest of the year.

The risks posed by young drivers

Researchers do note that inexperience plays a role in teenage crashes. Drivers are young, and many have only been driving for a matter of months – or, at most, a few years. This makes mistakes and oversight more likely.

That said, this is a risk all year round. A teenage driver who does not know how to maintain a safe following distance could just as easily tailgate someone on their way to school in October. Why is it that the summer sees such a stark increase in accidents?

Often, it is a matter of exposure. Researchers point out that young people have more time to drive since they are not spending their days in school. They often drive with friends, who are also on break. This can lead to driver distraction. 

But even if they are alone, simply spending more time behind the wheel increases the potential accident risk for everyone else who has to share the road with them.

Seeking financial compensation

Even though you may be a safe and experienced driver yourself, there is always a risk that you could be injured in an accident someone else causes. If so, you need to know what legal options you have to seek compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses and other damages.