The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer: When Teen Crash Fatalities Skyrocket

Author: Shelby Benavidez 

Contributing Attorneys: Spencer Smith, Leany Hammer 

School’s out, scream and shout! Long summer days are finally here, which means our high school kiddos are planning trips with their friends to take advantage of the beautiful weather and rising heat. But there’s a darker side to these sunny months that not everyone talks about – the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. 

As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen the devastation caused by distracted and negligent driving. Unfortunately, we’re called after the damage is already done when families are coping with the aftermath of one poor decision or one moment of distraction behind the wheel. That’s why we’re stepping up. We want to represent victims and try to prevent tragedies before they happen. 

What Are the 100 Deadliest Days? 

The term “100 Deadliest Days” refers to the stretch of time from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when teen crash fatalities historically skyrocket. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teens are more likely to be involved in serious, often deadly, accidents during these months. What’s especially heartbreaking about it is that most of these crashes could have been prevented. 

The unfortunate truth is that as teenagers have more free time, they spend more time behind the wheel. During the summer, many teens have more lenient curfews and parental restrictions while travelling with their friends. This often leads to riskier behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and even driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It’s a recipe for disaster and, every year, too many families are left grieving a loss that could have been avoided. 

A Part of the Community 

At Daniel Stark, we aren’t just lawyers. We’re parents, brothers, sisters, neighbors, and friends. We live in these communities, our children and families travel these roads, so when we talk about summer safety, we’re not doing it from a distance. We’re doing it because we care about your kids like they’re our own. 

“Too many families are devastated every summer by preventable tragedies,” said Daniel Stark Attorney Spencer Smith. “We want to empower parents, teens, and all drivers with the tools they need to make safer decisions behind the wheel.” That’s why we’re not doing this alone. 

Teaming Up with Allie’s Way 

We are a proud partner of Allie’s Way, a nonprofit organization that was born out of unimaginable loss and is now committed to making sure no other family has to experience the same pain. 

Allie’s Way was founded in memory of Allie, a bright, kind, and promising young girl whose life was tragically cut short due to a distracted driving accident. Her family turned their grief into action, creating Allie’s Way to spread awareness, educate young drivers, and fight against the behaviors that lead to these preventable crashes. 

By teaming up with Allie’s Way, we’re amplifying the message that distracted driving is deadly. And it’s not just texting behind the wheel. Distractions come in many forms such as friends in the backseat, changing the playlist, eating fast food, or even daydreaming. Just a single moment of distraction can change the entire trajectory of your life. 

Together, we’re creating resources and sharing Allie’s story in the hope that it sparks something in teens and in parents. Behind every statistic is a child, best friend, or teammate, and that’s something we can’t ignore. 

What Can You Do? 

Whether you’re a parent, a guardian, a teacher, or a teen yourself, you have a role to play in keeping our roads safe this summer. Here are some simple, actionable tips to help reduce the risk. 

1. Set Clear Expectations 

Talk to your teen about your rules for driving, especially at night or with friends in the car. Make sure they understand that driving is a privilege, not a right. Consider what the consequences might be if they are not responsible behind the wheel. It’s never fun to punish your child by taking away their keys or setting an early curfew, but it’s better than having your child harmed in a car crash. 

2. Be the Example 

Kids are watching, even when you think they’re not. Buckle up. Put your phone away. Stay calm and focused. If you model good driving behavior, they’re more likely to follow your lead. Not to mention, teens are more likely to take you seriously when you practice what you preach. 

3. Have the Tough Talks 

It’s uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Be honest about the consequences of speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. While we want to try to shield our children from the dangers of the world, it’s important they understand that a steering wheel is just as powerful as a loaded gun. Share stories like Allie’s that make the risks feel real. These conversations can spark healthy communication habits so that your child feels comfortable calling you if they need a sober ride home. 

4. Limit Solo Driving 

We understand the excitement of finally getting your license and the freedom of being an independent driver. However, for newer teen drivers especially, try to have an adult present as much as possible. As driving skills and maturity improve, gradually increase your teen’s independent driving time. 

5. Plan Ahead 

It’s always important to have a plan in place before getting on the road, but it’s especially critical for teens. Teens should check the weather forecast, be aware of traffic conditions for their route, and have a clear expectation of when to be home. If there’s an event where alcohol might be involved (yes, even for teens because we know it happens), have a game plan. Designate a sober driver or arrange a ride home. 

6. Keep the Car in Shape 

Sometimes crashes happen because of things that could’ve been prevented with a quick checkup. Due to their inexperience, a teen may not be able to detect that something is wrong based on how their car is driving. Make sure tires, brakes, lights, and fluids are in good condition. This is also a great opportunity to teach your child how to change a tire, check their oil, or other essential skills that every driver should have. 

Real Change Starts with Awareness 

As Leany Hammer, another attorney at Daniel Stark, put it, “Awareness is the first step toward prevention. We’re using our platform not only to support accident victims but to help stop these tragedies before they happen.” 

It’s easy to assume, “It won’t happen to my kid.” But the families we work with every day thought the same thing. One moment changed their lives forever. So, this summer, let’s be intentional. Let’s talk with our teens, lead by example, and support organizations like Allie’s Way who are on the front lines of this fight. 

Summer should be about road trips, pool parties, late-night ice cream runs, and making memories, not mourning them. At Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers, we believe we all have a role to play in changing the statistics and saving lives. 

The “100 Deadliest Days” doesn’t have to live up to its name if we’re all working together. So, let’s slow down, speak up, and stay alert. Most importantly, let’s remind the young people in our lives that their choices behind the wheel have the power to protect, or to destroy. 

We’re here to help, not just after the crash, but before it ever happens. For more information on our safety initiatives or how we’re partnering with Allie’s Way, reach out to us. Let’s make this summer one to remember for all the right reasons.