100 Deadliest Days of Summer: What Families Need to Know About Driving Risks

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known across the country as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” While this time is often filled with vacations, road trips, and outdoor fun, it’s also marked by a significant increase in motor vehicle crashes, particularly among teen drivers. In Texas and across the country, summer driving dangers are amplified due to higher traffic volumes, relaxed routines, and riskier behaviors behind the wheel.

For families in El Paso, knowing the risks and staying proactive can make all the difference. If you or a loved one has been injured in a summer car accident, contacting an experienced El Paso car accident lawyer at Michael Gopin may help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Do the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer Mean?

The “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” is a term coined by traffic safety experts and organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. It refers to the span from Memorial Day in late May through Labor Day in early September—a period when fatal car crashes spike dramatically, especially among teenage drivers.

In fact, according to the AAA, over 7,000 people died in teen-related crashes during this period in just over a decade. Texas often ranks high in summer driving fatalities due to its size, population, and high teen driving rates. These sobering statistics have turned what should be a time of fun into a season requiring heightened vigilance.

Why Are Summer Months More Dangerous on the Roads?

Several factors contribute to the uptick in summer driving accidents:

• More teen drivers on the road: With school out, teens spend more time driving for leisure or part-time jobs.
• Increased traffic volume: Family vacations and road trips lead to more congestion.
• Relaxed routines: Drivers may let their guard down while enjoying time off.
• Alcohol use: Summer parties and holidays often involve alcohol, increasing the risk of drunk driving accidents.
• Fatigued driving: Longer daylight hours and late-night activities contribute to drowsy driving.

Each of these elements plays a role in making the roads more dangerous during the summer, and they compound when combined.

Most Common Causes of Summer Car Accidents

Understanding what causes accidents can help families take preventive measures. During the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, the most common crash causes include:

• Distracted driving: Cell phones, GPS systems, and even conversations with passengers can distract drivers.
• Speeding: The open road can tempt drivers to push speed limits, increasing crash severity.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol and recreational substances impair judgment and reaction time.
• Inexperienced drivers: Teen drivers lack the experience to respond quickly to unexpected situations.
• Failure to wear seatbelts: Especially among younger passengers, seatbelt use tends to drop during relaxed summer travel.

Teen Drivers and the Risk Factor

Teen drivers face some of the highest risks during the 100 Deadliest Days. Their lack of experience, coupled with peer pressure and a sense of invincibility, can lead to dangerous decisions behind the wheel. According to AAA:

• Teens are 3x more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than adults.
• The presence of teen passengers increases the risk of a crash by more than 50%.

Parental involvement is crucial. Set clear rules, encourage defensive driving habits, and talk openly about distractions, speeding, and substance use.

Tips for Safer Summer Driving

Families can reduce the risk of summer car accidents by following these proactive tips:

• Avoid distractions: Keep phones out of reach and program your Google/Apple Maps before starting the car.
• Limit nighttime driving: Fatal crashes are more common after dark.
• Plan trips in advance: Familiar routes reduce the need for in-the-moment decisions.
• Set passenger limits: Especially for teens, limiting the number of passengers reduces distractions.
• Always wear seatbelts: Make it a non-negotiable habit.

The Most Dangerous Days to Drive

While all 100 days are risky, certain holidays stand out as particularly dangerous:

• July 4th: With high alcohol use and increased travel, this is one of the deadliest driving days nationwide.
• Memorial Day Weekend: Marks the start of summer and often involves long-distance road trips.
• Labor Day Weekend: Ends the summer season and sees a spike in road activity.

Knowing these high-risk periods can help families plan safer travel or take extra precautions if driving is unavoidable.

100 Deadliest Days of Summer in Texas: A Closer Look

In Texas, road fatalities peak during this summer stretch. With its vast highways, tourist destinations, and diverse terrain, the Lone Star State faces unique challenges. El Paso drivers, in particular, must navigate:

• High heat and vehicle issues: Extreme temperatures can lead to tire blowouts, engine overheating, and driver fatigue.
• Border traffic: Increased cross-border travel adds to congestion.
• Long distances between stops: Fatigue and reduced access to emergency services in rural areas pose added dangers.

Staying prepared, by maintaining your vehicle, staying hydrated, and resting often—is essential.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Summer Car Accident

The moments following a car crash are critical. Here’s what to do:

• Call 911 immediately. Get medical help, even if injuries seem minor.
• Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any traffic signs.
• Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved, including any witnesses.
• Avoid posting about the crash on social media. Your statements could be used against you later.
• Speak with an El Paso car accident attorney before contacting insurance companies to ensure your rights are protected.
• Document all medical visits, treatments, and symptoms in the days following the accident.

These steps not only protect your health and safety but also preserve key evidence for any future legal action. A clear, detailed record can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.

How an El Paso Car Accident Lawyer Can Help?

If you’ve been injured in a crash during the 100 Deadliest Days, seeking legal help can make a world of difference. An experienced El Paso car accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the cause of the accident
• Gather evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements
• Handle communications with insurance adjusters
• Help you understand your rights and options
• Pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

At the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we’ve been helping El Paso families navigate the aftermath of serious accidents for more than 30 years. Whether your crash involved a teen driver, a distracted motorist, or unsafe road conditions, we are ready to fight for your recovery.

Creating a Safer Summer: Community and Parental Involvement

Preventing summer crashes isn’t just a family issue, it’s a community priority. Parents can join local campaigns, like the 100 Safest Days of Summer, which encourage safe habits for teen drivers through school partnerships, safety pledges, and driver’s education programs. Law enforcement also increases patrols during this period to monitor speeding and impaired driving.

Community involvement might include:

• Hosting educational seminars at schools or rec centers
• Supporting local “safe driving” awareness campaigns
• Sharing driving tips on social media to reach wider audiences

The more El Paso families and organizations promote awareness, the safer the roads become for everyone.

Why Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC?

When you or a loved one is injured in a car accident during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, having the right legal advocate by your side can make all the difference. The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, has been representing accident victims in El Paso for over 30 years with compassion, determination, and results.

Our experienced El Paso car accident lawyers understand how quickly lives can change after a crash. From medical bills and insurance negotiations to missed work and emotional distress, we help you take control of a difficult situation.

With three convenient office locations across El Paso and a reputation for standing up to big insurance companies, our team will fight for the full compensation you deserve. We don’t charge you unless we win your case, so you can focus on healing, not finances.

When the stakes are high, trust a team that’s deeply rooted in the El Paso community. Contact Michael Gopin today to speak with a dedicated El Paso car accident attorney who’s ready to protect your future.

Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC

The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer don’t have to be filled with tragedy. With education, awareness, and proactive planning, families can protect themselves and others on the road. Stay alert, set good driving examples, and don’t hesitate to reach out for legal support if an accident happens.

At the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we are here to guide you every step of the way. If you or a loved one was injured in a summer driving accident, speak with an experienced El Paso car accident lawyer today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...