Summer driving is always a challenge in Mississippi and across the United States. Because more people take to the road, school is out and it is vacation and activity season, the volume increases the chance of an auto accident.
Other factors are important in the rise in accident frequency. Of course, that includes driver behavior. Another reason is driver inexperience and teens are at the forefront. Drivers should know about this when they take to the road.
Study says Mississippi the worst for teen road fatalities in the summer months
A recent study showed that Mississippi has the unfortunate distinction of being at the top for teen summer road fatalities per capita. The research was conducted by AAA. It found that in 2020, almost 40% of fatal crashes involving a teen occurred between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This is often called the “100 Deadliest Days” because of the annual spike in fatalities.
In the decade from 2011 to 2020, there were more than 7,100 fatalities in the summer. When looking back over the past 10 years, close to 30% of fatal crashes involving a teen happened during that time frame.
Teens are prone to making mistakes due to inexperience. They are also vulnerable to distracted driving. AAA says that 60% of these fatal collisions involved distraction. While most think that distraction is because of a cellphone, there are other ways to be distracted. Passengers are a major reason why teens might stop paying attention to the road. This was second to cellphone use in contributing to teen crashes.
People who have been hurt or lost a loved one should consider getting legal help
Auto accidents can cause serious injuries and death. While Mississippi is the statistically worst state for summer teen auto collision fatalities, anyone is in jeopardy of a crash and its consequences. That includes losing time at work, needing a long hospitalization, medical costs, extended care and property damage. The accident should be fully investigated to see how it happened and why. This can be essential when thinking about what to do, including filing a claim for compensation. Calling experienced people who understand all aspects of personal injury may be helpful.