Inexperience, distractions, and risk-taking make summer especially dangerous for teen drivers
As summer arrives in Colorado, so does an urgent public safety challenge: keeping teen drivers safe on the road. With longer days, school out of session, and teens enjoying newfound independence, traffic volumes and car accident risks rise dramatically.
Historically, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is associated with a sharp increase in fatal crashes involving young drivers. This stretch is so dangerous that it has been named the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) are ramping up education and enforcement efforts, urging parents to take an active role in preparing their teens for safer driving.
Why are the 100 Deadliest Days so dangerous for teen drivers?
The 100 Deadliest Days is not just a catchy phrase; it reflects a well-documented pattern of increased risk for young drivers. Teens between 16 and 19 years old are more likely to be involved in a crash than any other age group.
Without the routine of school, teens have more unsupervised time and more opportunities to drive recreationally, often with peers in the vehicle. Teen drivers may be more likely to speed, show off, or take risks when driving with friends, a phenomenon known as the “passenger effect.” Risk increases dramatically with each additional passenger.
Other common causes of car accidents involving teen drivers include:
- Distracted driving: Using phones, adjusting music, eating, or talking to passengers increases crash risk exponentially, especially for inexperienced drivers.
- Lane violations: Such as drifting between lanes, failing to signal, or cutting off vehicles, reflect a lack of spatial awareness and poor defensive driving skills.
- Following too closely: Also known as tailgating, leads to rear-end collisions, which are among the most common types of crashes among teen drivers.
- Sleep deprivation: With summer activities stretching into late nights, teens often get less sleep, which is another major risk factor, as drowsy driving can mimic impairment.
- Impairment and inexperience: Some teens may experiment with alcohol or marijuana over the summer. Combined with inexperience, even a small amount of impairment can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
- Failure to yield: Teens often misjudge timing at intersections or pedestrian crossings, which can lead to dangerous right-of-way violations.
How bad is the problem in Colorado?
The statistics in Colorado mirror the national crisis, and in some cases, exceed it. In 2023, Colorado recorded 101 fatalities involving drivers aged 20 and younger, the highest number in over a decade. This marked a 63% increase in youth driver deaths compared to 2013.
In 2022, 88 youth driver deaths were reported statewide. These are not abstract figures; they represent classmates, children, and neighbors whose lives were cut short. Statewide crash data shows that May consistently reports the highest number of at-fault crashes involving young drivers, signaling that risks start even before the traditional start of summer.
The Colorado Department of Revenue and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) have identified this trend as a growing public health crisis. With roads busier during summer and enforcement spread thin in rural areas, parents are increasingly seen as the “first line of defense.”
What do Colorado’s teen driving laws say?
Colorado’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system is designed to gradually and safely ease young drivers into full driving privileges. These tiered laws reduce exposure to high-risk situations during the first year of driving. The GLD rules include:
- Passenger restrictions: No passengers under 21 for the first 6 months. Only one passenger under 21 for the second 6 months. There are exceptions for siblings and medical emergencies.
- Nighttime driving ban: No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless with a parent or legal guardian.
- Cellphone ban: Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any cellphone, including hands-free devices.
- Seatbelt requirement: All passengers under 18 years of age must wear a seatbelt. The driver is responsible for enforcement.
- Zero tolerance for impairment: Any amount of alcohol or marijuana in a teen driver’s system is a criminal offense, carrying major legal and financial consequences.
Since the GDL program was implemented, fatal crashes involving 16- and 17-year-old drivers have dropped nearly 50%. However, enforcement gaps and a lack of awareness remain challenges, especially in rural communities.
How can parents help prevent teen driver car accidents?
Parents are mirrors for their teen drivers. Children observe and absorb adult behaviors far earlier than they begin driving themselves. If a parent speeds, texts, or drives aggressively, their teen is significantly more likely to mimic those actions once they are licensed.
Positive modeling strategies include:
- Narrate your good decisions aloud (e.g., “I’m slowing down because that light turned yellow”).
- Avoid aggressive reactions to traffic frustrations.
- Demonstrate defensive driving habits.
- Never use a phone while driving, not even at stoplights.
- Have a conversation with your teen about the rules of the road.
- Encourage your teen to use the "Do Not Disturb" feature on their cell phone.
Teens aren’t always to blame for crashes
It’s easy to assume that teen drivers are always responsible in a crash, but that’s not always the case. In many collisions, a young driver or teen passenger is the one who ends up seriously injured because another motorist made a reckless or negligent choice. Whether it’s a distracted adult driver, a speeding pickup on a rural road, or someone who ran a red light, teens can be victims, too.
Unfortunately, some insurance companies are quick to point fingers at teens, even when there’s no clear evidence of fault. That’s why it’s critical to have a law firm that will protect your teen’s rights and make sure the full story is told.
At The Longo Firm, LLC, we know how to handle these cases with care, focus, and determination. If your son or daughter was hurt in a crash caused by someone else, we’ll fight to uncover the truth, hold the at-fault driver accountable, and pursue the compensation your family needs to move forward.
Talk to a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer today
If you or your teen has been injured in a crash in Colorado Springs or the surrounding areas, now is the time to protect your legal rights and get answers to your most pressing questions. The Longo Firm, LLC, is here to guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
Our law firm is known for delivering results and holding insurance companies accountable for downplaying or denying valid claims. We thoroughly investigate your case, gather the evidence needed to prove liability, and build a strategy aimed at securing the maximum compensation you deserve.
Your first step is a free, no-obligation consultation. During this meeting, we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and clearly explain your potential legal options.
We proudly serve clients in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and throughout southern Colorado. Let us fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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