The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer: What Parents Need to Know About Teen Car Accidents In Maryland

As Maryland schools let out for summer, thousands of newly licensed teen drivers hit the roads. Unfortunately, the mix of excitement and inexperience can prove dangerous for them and other motorists.

Memorial Day through Labor Day is known nationally as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer because of the sharp increase in teen-involved car crashes. Our Maryland car accident attorneys explain common hazards and how parents can reduce the risks.

Teen Car Accidents In Maryland Spike During The Summer Months

Teenagers look forward to summer, and many spend their time driving around while hanging out with friends. However, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) reports that teens are more likely to be involved in car accidents than any other age group, particularly over the summer months. Factors that make teens more vulnerable to being involved in crashes include:

• Inexperience: Teens are still developing the skills and instincts needed to respond to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
• Distracted driving: Texting, changing music, and chatting with passengers are significant sources of distraction for teens.
• Speeding: Many teens underestimate the dangers of speeding or overestimate their ability to handle high speeds.
• Nighttime driving: With fewer restrictions during the summer months, teen drivers are more likely to be on the road at night, when visibility is lower and crash risk increases.
• Passengers: Driving with friends can lead to riskier behavior and lower focus on the road.

How Parents Can Help Prevent Maryland Car Accidents Involving Teens

Parents are encouraged to be proactive in taking steps to protect teen drivers, their passengers, and other road users. We recommend the following from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Set clear driving rules: Limit night driving, restrict the number of passengers, and establish rules for distracted driving.
• Talk early and often about safety: Discuss the importance of wearing seat belts, following speed limits, and avoiding distractions.
• Lead by example: Teens are more likely to drive safely if they observe safe habits from their parents.
• Use a graduated driver’s license (GDL) checklist: Maryland’s GDL program includes stages that gradually increase driving privileges—make sure your teen complies with all requirements.
• Consider monitoring apps or telematics: Technology can alert parents to unsafe driving behaviors such as hard braking, speeding, or phone use.
• Practice together: Spend time driving with your teen in different environments—highways, rural roads, and busy intersections—to build their confidence and skill.

By staying involved and reinforcing safe habits, parents can help Maryland teens avoid tragic accidents during the high-risk summer months.

Injured In A Crash? Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Attorneys

Teen car accidents in Maryland can prove devastating for everyone involved. If you or someone you love gets hurt this summer, reach out to Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP.

We investigate what happened and provide the experienced representation needed to hold those at fault accountable. To get the compensation you need to recover, schedule a consultation with our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys today.

Sources:

zerodeathsmd.gov/road-safety/young-driver-safety/

nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving#:~:text=Restrict%20night%20driving%20and%20passengers,deadly%E2%80%94to%20drink%20and%20drive.