How Distracted Driving Makes Teen Crashes Even Deadlier in the Summer
Our New Hampshire Car Accident Lawyers Break Down the Alarming Summer Risk for Families
When school lets out for summer, many New Hampshire teens find themselves with more freedom, more driving time—and, unfortunately, more risk. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the season known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike across the country. According to AAA, more than 30% of all teen-driver-related fatalities happen during this short window. And while inexperience is a known factor, one danger stands out more than ever: distracted driving.
If you or your child was injured in a crash involving a teen driver, the New Hampshire car accident attorneys at Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. are here to help you understand your legal rights and options. With offices in Dover and Portsmouth, and over 150 years of service to our communities, we understand the devastating impact these cases can have—and how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Distracted Driving Is a Leading Cause of Summer Teen Crashes
The most recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report shows that an average of eight people die each day in summer crashes involving teen drivers. Many of those crashes involve distractions while driving.
Distracted driving doesn’t just mean texting. It can include:
- Talking on the phone—even hands-free
- Using apps or GPS
- Interacting with passengers
- Changing music
- Eating or drinking
For teens, the most dangerous combination is distraction plus inexperience. Unlike seasoned drivers, teens often don’t recognize the early signs of danger or know how to react when something goes wrong. With more unsupervised driving time in the summer, the risk only increases.
Why Summer Driving Is So Dangerous for Teens
Summertime creates the perfect storm for teen driving accidents. Here’s why:
- More driving hours: Without the routine of school, teens are on the road more often—driving to jobs, hanging out with friends, or going on trips.
- Fewer restrictions: Many parents relax curfews or allow more independence during summer break, allowing teens to drive later at night or over longer distances.
- More peer passengers: Having just one teen passenger increases a teen driver’s fatal crash risk by 51%, according to AAA.
- Higher distraction potential: Music, conversations, and phone use often increase when teens aren’t driving with adults present.
Even in a smaller state like New Hampshire, these factors contribute to serious crashes in our communities every year.
What to Do After a Crash Involving a Teen Driver
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a teen driver, it’s important to take the right steps—immediately and long-term. Insurance companies may downplay the role of the at-fault driver or unfairly shift blame, especially if the victim is another young driver or a pedestrian.
Here’s what you should do:
1. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first.
2. Document everything—take photos, get witness names, and save any communication related to the crash.
3. Avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster without legal representation.
4. Talk to a car accident lawyer who understands New Hampshire law and knows how to uncover evidence of distraction.
Our legal team can help investigate the crash, request phone records, examine vehicle data, and review witness statements to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Teen Car Accident Case?
In New Hampshire, liability in a teen driving accident may fall on:
- The teen driver for negligent behavior
- Parents if they knowingly allowed unsafe driving habits or failed to supervise
- Car owners who lent their vehicle without considering the risk
- Third parties, such as rideshare companies or vehicle manufacturers, in certain situations
Every case is different. Our firm can help determine who’s responsible for your injuries and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Teen Drivers Can Be Victims Too, and They Deserve Strong Legal Support
While much of the focus during the 100 Deadliest Days is on teens causing crashes, it’s important to remember that they’re often the victims, too. Teen passengers injured by distracted peers, young pedestrians struck by inattentive drivers, and even responsible teen drivers hit by others all deserve legal support.
Our legal team doesn't make assumptions based on age. We’ve represented many injured teenagers and their families in serious car accident claims—whether the at-fault driver was another teen, an adult, or even a commercial vehicle operator. Our job is to uncover the truth and fight for the compensation your family needs to cover medical bills, therapy, and long-term recovery.
If your teen was hurt in a crash, you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal system alone. We can help you understand your options, hold the right party accountable, and protect your child’s future.
We’ve Represented New Hampshire Crash Victims for Over 150 Years
At Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A., we’re proud to stand up for injured victims throughout Dover, Portsmouth, and across the state. When you choose us, you’re getting more than a law firm—you’re getting a legal team with a long tradition of results, compassion, and community commitment.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a teen driver, or if your teen was injured in an accident caused by someone else, we’re ready to fight for you. To find out how we can help you, give us a call or contact us online today for a free case consultation.
"John Durkin represented me in a personal injury case. Both he and his paralegal, Christina Viel, were the utmost professionals, managing my case diligently and successfully. My many, many questions were always answered promptly and graciously. John would be my first call for any other legal matters, and I recommend him highly." — Joanne L., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
