What to expect for the '100 Deadliest Days' of summer 2020
We don't know when or where Americans will travel this summer, but we do know that their activities won't be typical.
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” of the year because fatal accidents involving teen drivers increase dramatically. In 2020, however, there may be more cause for concern than usual as conditions on the roads change due to circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
We don’t know when or where Americans will travel this summer, but we do know that their activities won’t be typical. Here are five factors that could affect risks for drivers of all ages through Labor Day.
Stay-at-home mandates are easing
Some states have relaxed stay-at-home mandates while others are extending them. There’s likely a significant pent-up demand to venture out for some leisure — if you can get away and feel confident about staying healthy. Low average gas prices may also be an incentive to load up the car and head out of town.
Highway traffic probably won’t be as heavy this summer as in previous years. But if the desire to get out of town outweighs health concerns, there may be more cars on the road than many would expect.
Flight schedules are reduced
Suspended domestic and international flights mean that most travelers will take road trips this summer. Even where flights are available, Americans may not be ready to hop on a plane or deal with crowded airports while the pandemic is still unfolding.
Domestic getaways that are easy to drive to are likely to be popular through Labor Day. If those trips go smoothly and tourists feel comfortable venturing out, they may take additional vacations or drive farther from home.
International travel will be extremely low since factors such as lockdowns and medical care overseas are unpredictable. No one wants to get stuck far away from home if there’s a resurgence of outbreaks or a sudden wave of flight cancellations.
Drivers may feel anxious
Increased stress and anxiety about the pandemic may cause drivers to be less defensive or focused on the road. Non-essential workers, who may not have driven much during the COVID-19 crisis, may feel especially nervous about getting behind the wheel for a road trip.
Social distancing from friends and extended family members may make drivers more vulnerable to distractions such as taking incoming phone calls, sending texts, and engaging on social media. While staying connected is essential, taking your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel makes you more likely to get into a car accident.
Teen drivers may not take enough precautions
After being kept at home for months, many teenage drivers will be ready to throw caution to the wind by taking road trips and gathering with friends. Unfortunately, fewer young people will have summer jobs or camps to attend this year. This lack of activities may make the summer months especially deadly if teens end up driving more.
Additionally, some states are waiving the road test requirements for new drivers during the pandemic. In general, those under 18 must have a learner’s permit, complete an amount of supervised day and night driving, and pass an approved driver’s education course to get a probationary driver’s license.
Due to their lack of driving experience, teen drivers need all the help they can get. Leniency in the regulations will leave many teenage drivers far less prepared to be behind the wheel than they should.
Parents should carefully observe teen drivers and ensure they have the skills and confidence to be safe his summer. By requiring teenagers to get enough driver’s education or to use apps that make you a safer driver, parents can empower their young drivers and help make everyone on the road safer.
Financial hardships could increase uninsured motorists
Millions of unemployed Americans are dealing with financial hardships. That means many drivers won’t have the resources to pay their auto insurance premiums. Or they may be forced to reduce their coverages to the bare minimum, putting other motorists in potential jeopardy.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage reimburses policyholders who get into an accident with a driver who has no insurance or too little to cover the damages. As we head into the “100 Deadliest Days,” it’s a good time to double-check policies and make sure you have enough auto insurance in case you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Laura Adams, MBA, is a senior education and safety analyst for Aceable.com, a mobile-first education platform for certification and training courses, from driver’s education and defensive driving to real estate pre-license school. She can be reached by sending an email to Laura@lauradadams.com.
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