Teen driver crashes surge between Memorial Day and Labor Day
Every summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a troubling pattern plays out on roads in Florida and across the nation. The season that is supposed to be about freedom, fun, and first jobs is also the most dangerous time of year for teen drivers. It is no coincidence that this stretch of time has been labeled the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” The risk for serious car accidents involving teen drivers is real, and the consequences can be devastating.
In Florida, where spring and summer bring more than just heat, the roads become a hotbed of activity. Tourists pour in, teens take the wheel with new licenses, and school is out for months. The Florida Safe Teen Driving Coalition and AAA have both confirmed that crash rates among teen drivers spike significantly in these warmer months.
Why are the summer months so dangerous for teen drivers?
Freedom without structure is a powerful thing. Once the final bell rings in May, teens are no longer bound by school hours or after-school routines. They drive more often, at more dangerous times, and to unfamiliar places. It is a recipe that too often ends in tragedy.
Teens are still learning the basics of the road, both in terms of skill and judgment. That is not a criticism; it is a neurological fact. The areas of the brain responsible for impulse control and risk assessment are not fully developed until well into their twenties. Combine that with a couple of teenage passengers, loud music, a phone buzzing in the cup holder, and the open road, and the margin for error disappears quickly.
Florida’s own statistics point to an increase in fatal crashes involving teens not just in summer but also in March, when Spring Break and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations introduce alcohol and late nights into the mix. Risky decisions are made when teens drive in unfamiliar places at night, are fatigued, distracted, or impaired.
What traffic laws apply to teen drivers?
Florida does not just hand out a license and hope for the best. The state has clear, gradual licensing requirements designed to help young drivers ease into full responsibility. Teens with a learner’s permit can only drive during daylight hours for the first three months. After that, they are allowed on the road until 10 p.m., but they must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
Once a teen turns 16 and earns a driver’s license, they can drive alone but only between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Seventeen-year-olds have a bit more freedom, with driving allowed between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. Anything outside those hours must be work-related or with a supervising adult in the passenger seat.
Violations can carry real consequences. If a teen gets six points on their license in a 12-month period, they’ll face a “Business Purposes Only” restriction. That means they can only drive to work, school, or religious services. Accumulate more points during that restriction, and it gets extended by 90 days for every additional point.
Parents should also be aware that they have the legal authority to revoke a teen’s license by withdrawing their consent. It is not a threat but a safeguard when needed.
What are the most common citations for teen drivers?
Speeding remains the top concern in Florida, year after year. Careless driving runs a close second. But beyond those obvious infractions, thousands of teens are cited annually for driving without a license or insurance. Some are caught driving with an obscured or missing license plate.
These are preventable mistakes. Before leaving the driveway, teens should have three essential items: a valid driver's license or learner’s permit, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. The license plate must be clearly visible, not defaced or hidden by a frame or sticker.
Discuss with your teen what items they should carry in the car. That includes a phone charger, emergency contact information, a basic roadside kit, and a plan for what to do if they get pulled over or break down.
How serious is impaired driving for teens?
Florida enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21. A blood alcohol level of just .02 percent (roughly one drink) will result in an immediate six-month license suspension. Refusing to take a breath test can result in a 12-month suspension on the first offense.
But impairment is not just limited to alcohol. Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can reduce coordination and reaction time. Mixing substances can magnify their effects. A single beer combined with an antihistamine can be enough to cause a crash.
Beyond legal consequences, impaired driving threatens lives. Teens must understand that the law is not the only reason to stay sober while driving. Responsibility to themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road should guide their choices.
What other behaviors should parents be concerned about?
Distractions are a constant threat. Texting, fiddling with GPS, chatting with friends, adjusting the music, or even looking out the window takes attention off the road. Distracted driving caused over 3,000 deaths in the United States in 2023 alone, and teens are disproportionately represented.
As we mentioned above, speeding is another major issue. Many teens do not understand the physics of stopping distance, especially in wet or unfamiliar conditions. The faster they go, the less time they have to react. Speed limits are not suggestions; they serve a purpose.
Additionally, driving in Florida also comes with weather-related hazards. Sudden thunderstorms, flooded roadways, and low visibility due to fog or smoke can turn a normal drive into a hazardous situation. Teens should be taught to slow down, use low beams, and never drive into standing water. If traffic lights go out during a storm, they must treat intersections as four-way stops.
How can parents help their teens stay safe?
Parents should start with consistent communication. Do not wait until after a mistake has been made; take action immediately. Have regular, calm conversations about expectations, curfews, who they are driving with, and where they are going.
Go for ride-alongs, even after your teen is licensed. Observe their behavior. Do they check blind spots? Follow speed limits? Get easily distracted? Use those drives to reinforce good habits and gently correct the bad ones.
Keep an eye on their vehicle too. Is it maintained properly? Are the tires in good shape? Are all the lights working? Small mechanical issues can lead to major problems if ignored.
Finally, know when to say no. If your teen is exhibiting poor judgment or disregarding rules, don’t hesitate to intervene. Your role does not end the day they get their license. It just enters a new phase.
Injured in a crash involving a teen driver? Get legal help today.
If you or your teenager were involved in a crash in Palm Beach County, do not wait to get the answers you deserve. The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., is here to help you take the next step.
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