The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known for road trips, vacations, and long days spent outside. But it’s also the most dangerous time on Louisiana roads, especially for teen drivers.

These summer months are known as the “100 Deadliest Days” because crash rates spike, especially among teenagers. More young drivers are on the road, often unsupervised, and many take risks or lack the experience to avoid a crash.

For families, one mistake behind the wheel can mean a lifetime of consequences. Understanding the risks can help drivers stay alert and avoid devastating crashes.

Dangerous Days: What the Statistics Say

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, over 30 percent of all fatal crashes involving teens happen during the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

More than 13,000 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers nationwide from 2019 to 2023. In 2023 alone, those crashes claimed 2,897 lives with 860 of those deaths occurring during the summer.

Louisiana sees the same troubling trend. In 2024, drivers aged 15 to 18 were involved in nearly 3,816 injury crashes. Seventeen-year-olds had the highest fatal crash rate of any group, at 26.6 deaths per 100,000 licensed drivers. Between June and August 2024, Louisiana averaged nearly two fatal crashes daily.

These aren’t just numbers; they are lives changed forever. If you or your family has been affected by a summer crash, contact our law firm to understand your rights and options.

Why Teens Face the Highest Risk

Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in serious crashes during the summer and several driving habits contribute to this risk. Here’s what makes these 100 days so dangerous for young drivers:

  • More Time on the Road: With school out, teens have more freedom and time to drive to work, visit friends, or take longer trips. Many are on the road late at night or without adult supervision.
  • Less Experience: New drivers haven’t developed the judgment to react safely in unpredictable situations. Inexperience can turn a split-second decision into a serious crash.
  • Increased Distractions: According to U.S. crash data, 10% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted at the time. Phones, music, and friends in the car compete for attention, and teens are less practiced at tuning them out to focus on driving.
  • Risk-Taking Behaviors: Teen drivers are more likely than adults to speed, run red lights, or drive recklessly. The CDC reports that crash risk is nearly three times higher for drivers aged 16 to 19 than those over 20.

On crowded summer roads, negligent behavior puts everyone at risk, including other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Teen on the Road This Summer

You can’t control how others drive, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk during the high-traffic summer months. Here’s what to do:

  • If you’re a parent, set clear rules. Talk to your teen about driving expectations. Set limits on passengers, curfews, phone use, and seatbelt habits. Even one serious conversation can influence how they respond behind the wheel.
  • Use a driving app to reinforce habits. Tools like Life360 or Bouncie can track speed, phone use, and location, helping parents stay informed and start conversations before their teen develops bad habits while driving.
  • Give teen drivers extra space. Keep your distance and don’t try to pass aggressively if you notice a car drifting, slowing unpredictably, or speeding.
  • Minimize distractions. Stay focused behind the wheel. Distractions are one of the leading causes of crashes among teens and adults. Avoid texting, scrolling, or any other activity that takes your eyes off the road.
  • Prepare before you leave. Look up your route ahead of time and check for traffic delays or roadwork. Summer travel often brings detours, construction zones, and young drivers who may brake or turn suddenly.

These steps won’t prevent every crash, but they can lower your risk and help keep you safer during the most dangerous driving days of the year.

Call a Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer at Dudley DeBosier

Crashes involving teen drivers often leave victims facing serious injuries and difficult questions about what happens next. Liability can be complicated due to their age, inexperience, and who owns the vehicle they were driving.

A skilled Louisiana car accident lawyer can help determine fault and pursue financial support for your recovery. At Dudley DeBosier, we represent people across Louisiana who have been injured in crashes involving teen drivers, distracted motorists, and other summer-related risks.

If you were hurt during the 100 Deadliest Days, contact our team today for a free consultation with a Louisiana car accident lawyer. We’re ready to listen, investigate, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.