The 100 deadliest days of summer: why fatal car accidents spike in new jersey every year

By the New Jersey Car Accident Attorneys at Team Law

100 deadliest days for treen drivers in Clark NJ

Summer in New Jersey should mean shore trips, barbecues, and more daylight to enjoy with your family. Unfortunately, it also means more danger on the road. The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer because fatal motor vehicle accidents climb sharply during this period, especially crashes involving teen drivers. According to a AAA review of federal crash data, deadly crashes involving teen drivers increase by roughly 30 percent during the summer compared to the rest of the year, and an average of eight people lose their lives every day in a teen-related crash between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash this summer, you do not have to sort out the insurance and legal questions alone. Call Team Law at 1-800-TEAM-LAW or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New Jersey car accident lawyer.

The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer: What Makes This Time of Year So Dangerous on the Road?

The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer are often described as a teen driving problem, and teen drivers are a major part of the story. School is out, and many teens spend the summer driving to jobs, practices, and social events, often with friends in the car. According to AAA’s most recent review of federal crash data, 2,897 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers in 2023, and nearly a third of those deaths, 860, occurred during the 100 Deadliest Days.

The summer pattern holds year after year. As noted above, between 2019 and 2023, more than 13,000 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver nationwide, and an average of eight people die every day in teen-involved crashes during the summer, compared to seven per day the rest of the year. Distraction remains a leading factor, which is why AAA urges parents to have teens activate their phone’s do not disturb feature before driving.

Teens are not the whole story, though. Fatal crash rates rise for drivers of all ages during the summer months, and several factors combine to make these 100 days so dangerous:

More teen drivers on the road: With school out, inexperienced drivers log far more miles, often at night and with passengers
More pedestrians and bicyclists: Warm weather brings more people out walking, running, and cycling near traffic
Heavier traffic and construction: Vacation travel and summer road work create congestion, sudden slowdowns, and frustrated drivers
Distracted driving: Texting, navigation apps, infotainment screens, eating behind the wheel, and lively conversations all pull attention from the road
Speeding: Almost 30 percent of fatal teen crashes involve excessive speed, according to AAA, and speed is one of the four leading contributors to traffic deaths for drivers of all ages
Impaired driving: Summer parties, barbecues, concerts, and holiday weekends lead to more drivers on the road after drinking or using drugs
Fatigued driving: Long days, early starts, and late nights leave many drivers drowsy behind the wheel

No single factor explains the summer spike. It is the combination of more inexperienced drivers, more traffic, more distractions, and more impairment that makes this stretch of the calendar so deadly.

Summer Car Accidents in New Jersey: Where Are the Risks Highest Close to Home?

New Jersey feels the summer surge more than most states. Shore traffic packs the Garden State Parkway every weekend from May through September, and holiday getaways clog the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 1 through Middlesex and Union Counties. Sudden slowdowns near interchanges and work zones are a common setup for rear-end and chain-reaction crashes.

The risks are not limited to the highways. Local roads in towns like Clark, Westfield, and Edison see more teen drivers, more cyclists, and more pedestrians during the summer months, especially near parks, pools, and downtown shopping areas. Beach towns along the Jersey Shore also see a seasonal wave of unfamiliar drivers relying on navigation apps instead of watching the road.

Safe Summer Driving Tips: How Can You Protect Yourself During the 100 Deadliest Days?

You cannot control other drivers, but you can lower your own risk and set a strong example for the young drivers in your household. These habits make a real difference during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer:

Silence your phone: Turn on do not disturb mode before you drive, and mount your phone at eye level if you need it for navigation
Program before you go: Set your route, playlist, and climate controls before you pull out, not while moving
Limit in-car distractions: Keep conversations calm, and give young children books or tablets to keep them occupied on longer trips
Never drive impaired: Arrange a designated driver or rideshare after any event involving alcohol, and refuse to ride with anyone who has been drinking or using drugs
Buckle up every time: Wear your seat belt and require every passenger to wear theirs before the car moves
Fight fatigue: Take regular breaks on road trips, and avoid driving late at night or after a long day in the sun
Leave early and slow down: Build in extra time for traffic so you are never tempted to speed or drive aggressively
Respect summer weather: If a thunderstorm hits, pull off the road where it is safe to do so and wait it out

Parents of teen drivers should go one step further. Talk with your teen about passenger limits, nighttime driving, and phone use, and consider putting expectations in writing with a parent-teen driving agreement. New Jersey’s graduated driver license rules already restrict passengers and nighttime driving for new drivers, and enforcing those rules at home is one of the most effective ways to keep your teen safe.

After a Summer Car Accident: What Steps Should You Take to Protect Your Health and Your Claim?

Even careful drivers get hurt during the summer months. If a crash happens, the steps you take in the hours and days afterward can protect both your health and your right to compensation:

Call 911: Report the crash and request medical help so there is an official police record
Get medical care promptly: See a doctor even if you feel fine, since some serious injuries take hours or days to show symptoms
Document the scene: Photograph the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries, and collect contact information from the other driver and any witnesses
Notify your insurance company: Report the crash promptly, but stick to the basic facts
Avoid recorded statements: Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer or accept a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries
Talk to a personal injury lawyer early: An attorney can preserve evidence, handle the insurance companies, and value your claim before deadlines become a problem

The insurance company’s goal is to resolve your claim for as little as possible. Getting knowledgeable guidance early puts you in a far stronger position than trying to negotiate on your own while you are still recovering.

New Jersey Car Accident Laws: How Do Insurance Rules and Legal Deadlines Affect Your Case?

New Jersey handles car accident claims differently than many states, and the details matter. New Jersey is a no-fault state, which means your own auto policy’s personal injury protection coverage pays your initial medical bills regardless of who caused the crash. Whether you can also sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering often depends on the insurance option you selected when you bought your policy and on the severity of your injuries.

Fault still matters for vehicle damage and for serious injury claims. New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50 percent bar, which means you can recover compensation as long as you were not more at fault than the other party, but your award is reduced by your share of the blame. For example, if a jury finds you 20 percent at fault for a crash with $100,000 in damages, your recovery drops to $80,000, and if you are found 51 percent or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance adjusters understand this math, which is why they push recorded statements and blame-shifting arguments that inflate your percentage of fault and shrink what they pay.

Deadlines matter, too. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey, and claims involving public entities require formal notice much sooner. Waiting too long can cost you your right to compensation entirely, no matter how strong your case is.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer

What are the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer?

The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer refers to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when fatal car accidents rise sharply nationwide. AAA’s review of federal crash data shows deadly crashes involving teen drivers jump about 30 percent during these months compared to the rest of the year.

Why do car accidents increase during the summer in New Jersey?

More teen drivers, heavy shore traffic on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike, road construction, distracted driving, impaired driving after summer gatherings, and driver fatigue all contribute. More pedestrians and bicyclists on the road also mean more chances for serious collisions.

My teen was in a summer car accident. What should we do?

Make sure your teen gets medical attention, gather the police report and photos, and notify your insurer with just the basic facts. Before accepting any settlement or giving a recorded statement, speak with a New Jersey car accident lawyer about your family’s options.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in New Jersey?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey. Shorter notice deadlines can apply if a government vehicle or public entity is involved, so it is wise to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Contact a Clark Car Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Summer Car Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries in a car accident during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer? You deserve answers, and you may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The experienced attorneys at Team Law have been fighting for injured New Jersey residents for decades, and we know how to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable.

We represent car accident victims in Clark, Newark, Edison, Jersey City, and throughout New Jersey. Call 1-800-TEAM-LAW or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation. Our main office is located at 136 Central Ave., Clark, NJ 07066, and we have additional offices across the state, so help is never far away.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.

100 deadliest days for treen drivers in Clark NJ — 100 deadliest days for teen drivers in Clark, NJ