How Summer Freedom Can Turn Deadly for Teen Drivers

What Georgia Parents Need to Know About the 100 Deadliest Days

Summer in Georgia brings longer days, open roads, and newfound freedom for teen drivers. But beneath the sunshine is a season that safety experts call the “100 Deadliest Days”—the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike across the country.

According to AAA and Drive Smart Georgia, more than 30% of all fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during these summer months. And Georgia isn’t immune. With fast-moving interstates like I-285, I-75, and I-85 surrounding Metro Atlanta, even a minor mistake by an inexperienced teen can lead to devastating consequences.

At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we’ve represented far too many families whose lives were shattered by a crash involving a young driver. Whether your teen was injured due to another driver’s negligence or you’re navigating the aftermath of a crash caused by an inexperienced driver, our Georgia car accident lawyers are here to help.

Why Summer Poses a Greater Risk for Teen Drivers

Summer gives teens what they crave most—freedom. But that freedom often comes with higher stakes.

Here’s why teen crash risk skyrockets during the summer:

• More Time On The Road: Without the structure of the school year, teens are more likely to be behind the wheel for longer stretches—whether it’s driving to work, heading to a friend’s house, or going on a weekend trip.
• Extra Passengers: Studies have shown that the presence of other teens in the car significantly increases the risk of a crash. In fact, having just one teen passenger increases a driver’s risk of a fatal crash by 44%.
• Inexperience With Unfamiliar Roads: During the school year, teens typically stick to familiar routes. In summer, they may venture onto highways or city streets they’ve never driven before, with little preparation.
• Distracted Driving: Cell phones, music apps, and group chats create nonstop distractions. Even a split second of inattention can have deadly consequences.
• Nighttime Driving: Fatal crash rates for teens double after dark. And during the summer, there’s often less supervision, more late-night plans, and more dangerous decisions.

The Role of Georgia’s Teen Driving Laws

Georgia passed Joshua’s Law in 2005 to protect young drivers by requiring driver’s education and limiting nighttime driving for newly licensed teens. Under Georgia law:

• Teens 16–17 years old cannot drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
• Newly licensed drivers face passenger restrictions and must complete specific training hours, including at least six hours of supervised nighttime driving

These laws help, but they’re only part of the equation. The real work begins at home, with ongoing guidance from parents and guardians.

What Parents Can Do to Keep Their Teens Safe

If you’re a parent of a teen driver in Georgia, you play a critical role in reducing their risk. Here's how you can help:

• Ride Along Regularly. Even after your teen has their license, continued practice is key. Spend time driving together on highways like I-20 or GA-400, especially during low-traffic times.
• Set And Enforce Clear Rules. Create a written parent-teen driving agreement that covers curfews, passenger limits, and phone use.
• Limit Nighttime Driving. Even if the law allows it, reducing your teen’s time on the road after dark can significantly lower crash risk.
• Talk Openly About Distractions. It’s not just texting—passengers, music, and even navigation apps can create danger. Set the tone early by modeling safe habits.
• Use Technology. Many apps now allow parents to monitor speed, location, and phone use while driving. These tools can offer peace of mind without being invasive.

Most importantly, check in with your teen often. Ask where they’re going, who they’re with, and how they plan to get there and back. A few minutes of conversation can help prevent a life-changing tragedy.

Legal Options After a Crash Involving a Teen Driver

When a crash happens—whether your teen was behind the wheel or a passenger—it’s crucial to know your rights.

At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, our car accident attorneys help Georgia families navigate all sides of these heartbreaking cases. That includes:

• Teens injured by negligent adult drivers
• Passengers hurt in a crash involving another teen
• Families who’ve lost a child in a fatal wreck
• Crash victims seeking answers after a negligent teen driver causes harm

Our team thoroughly investigates each case, identifies all responsible parties, and works to recover the full compensation your family deserves to move forward—covering medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

We know how to take on the insurance companies and how to build cases that stand up in court. And if your injured teen was wrongfully blamed for a crash they didn’t cause, we can help defend their rights and protect their future.

Get Legal Help From Georgia’s Power Law Firm

Summer should be a time of growth, not grief. But when someone’s mistake leads to injury or loss, justice matters.

If your family has been impacted by a crash during the “100 Deadliest Days,” contact the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates. With offices across Metro Atlanta, we’re ready to meet wherever it’s most convenient for you. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.

Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let us help you take the next step with strength, clarity, and trusted legal guidance.