100 Deadliest Days of Summer Campaign
Car accidents can happen at any time of year, involving even the most experienced of drivers. Unfortunately, young drivers are most at risk for potentially fatal car accidents and injuries, and this risk increases over the summer months. The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer campaign is an annual campaign that highlights the dangers that teens as well as other drivers face this time of year. It is particularly relevant in South Carolina, where fatal driving accidents continue to increase at an alarming rate.
South Carolina Car Accident Fatalities
A June 2017 WTOC news report on the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer campaign notes that as law enforcement officials throughout South Carolina gear up for an increase in traffic over the summer tourism season, they are seeing an increase in the number of driving fatalities. Troopers in the Bluffton, SC area claim that the usual average of one motor vehicle accident per day during these months has recently doubled. In addition to the increased numbers of drivers on the road, they blame these figures on an increase in dangerous driving behaviors, which include the following:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding and going too fast for conditions
- Disregarding traffic signs and signals
- Aggressive driving, such as tailgating and failing to yield
- Distracted driving, which in addition to using cell phones or texting behind the wheel includes eating or drinking while driving, changing GPS settings, and even talking to passengers in the vehicle
According to figures from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, by June of 2016 there were a total of 378 fatal driving accidents reported, killing just over 400 drivers and passengers. In 2017, that number has increased to 386 fatal collisions, killing 420 people.
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Increase In Teen Car Accidents Over Summer
The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that the months of June through August are among the deadliest in terms of car accidents and injuries, with teen drivers more than three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than adult drivers. The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer campaign was created to call attention to the dangers teen drivers pose not only to themselves but also to other motorists they encounter on the roads.
In addition to general lack of experience in knowing how to react to unexpected and potentially dangerous traffic or road conditions, the AAA reports that there are three separate factors that can account for why teen driving accidents are more inclined to be fatal:
- Distracted driving, which decreases response times when accidents occur, leading to greater impacts and more severe injuries
- Speeding, which increases the likelihood that a crash or collision will be fatal
- Not wearing a seatbelt, which makes them more susceptible to potentially life-threatening injuries
Get Help Today
If you or someone you care about is involved in an accident, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. Our South Carolina car accident attorneys understand the devastating injuries that often result from these crashes and can advise you on how to get the compensation you need to recover.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
