The 100 Deadliest Days on South Carolina Roads
South Carolina, like most states, has its share of teen drivers, who, unfortunately, are responsible for a significant portion of road accidents. During the summer months, the period stretching from Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days.” This time of year is characterized by an increase in road fatalities, and it is often because of inexperienced drivers. In this blog post, we delve deeper into the perils of this period and offer tips to ensure your safety on South Carolina roads.
The “100 Deadliest Days” are so-called because statistics show that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, more teenagers are behind the wheel, and the number of road fatalities increases. Inexperienced drivers tend to take more risks, and with more free time during the summer, teens are more likely to drive late into the night, an activity that comes with significant risks. Additionally, summer vacations can lead to more road trips, and long-haul drives can cause the driver to become fatigued and less attentive.
Another factor that contributes to the spike in road accidents during this period is that teens often have more passengers in their vehicles. Riding with friends increases the likelihood of distractions, and this can impair the driver’s judgment on South Carolina roads. Additionally, social pressure can tempt some teen drivers to engage in unsafe driving practices to impress or entertain their passengers.
Speeding is one of the leading causes of road accidents among teens across the country, and South Carolina is no exception. In 2019, for example, speeding was a contributing factor in 67 South Carolina traffic fatalities. Teenage drivers are more prone to speeding because they often drive to impress their friends, and they don’t yet have a clear understanding of the dangers of speeding. Exceeding the posted speed limit can be fatal, and it significantly increases the impact and severity of road crashes.
For parents, the 100 Deadliest Days are a terrifying prospect. The thought of their teens out on the road, possibly engaging in risky behavior, can be overwhelming. However, there are things parents can do to ensure their child’s safety. Encourage your teens to follow driving laws, limit their access to passengers, and discourage late driving. Setting a curfew, mandating seatbelt use, and creating a no-cell-phone rule can also be helpful.
The 100 Deadliest Days are a real and present danger to road users in South Carolina. Teen drivers are at higher risk of road accidents during this period because of an increase in risk-taking behavior, driving late into the night, having passengers, and speeding. As a teen driver or parent, it’s crucial to take precautionary measures to decrease the likelihood of accidents. Ensure that, as a young driver, you’re always following traffic laws, avoiding driving distractions, and slowing down to maintain control of the vehicle. Parents must be supportive of their teen drivers and encourage them to be responsible and avoid dangerous driving activities. Together, we can make the 100 Deadliest Days safer for everyone on South Carolina roads.
