As a parent, I can attest that we spend a large part of our children’s lives trying to anticipate the big dangers to our kids. We fastidiously baby-proof the cabinets, boil the pacifier whenever it hits the ground, research the safest car seats and hover nearby as every rung of the playground ladder is climbed.
In my decades of practicing law alongside my brother, Eddie, however, I’ve learned a sobering truth: The most significant threat to our children’s safety often sits right in our own driveways.
Every year, law enforcement and safety officials statewide brace for a period known as the “100 deadliest days.” It begins on Memorial Day and stretches through Labor Day. For many, these months represent family vacations and backyard barbecues. They also represent a significant spike in fatal traffic accidents involving teenagers and young children.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teen drivers aged 16 to 20 have the highest fatality rate of any age group, and summer creates a perfect storm of circumstances. School is out, meaning more young, inexperienced drivers are on the road for longer periods, often driving with friends and late at night.
We often think getting a driver’s license is a routine rite of passage, but the data tells a different story. Research suggests that the areas of the brain involved in decision-making don’t fully develop until the mid-20s.
During the summer, we see a safety gap that can manifest in several ways, including:
While the crash statistics are highest for teens, the risks extend to everyone. Having been on the front lines of accident litigation for decades, I can tell you that distraction is a choice and it’s one that leads to a lifetime of regret.
It’s the text message ping, the app notification, the parent reaching into the backseat to help a toddler or the driver constantly looking down at their navigation app on an unfamiliar road.
At our firm, we say we are in the humanity business. While we are proud to provide a lifeline to families through the civil justice system, I would much rather see those families safe at home than in my office.
This summer, I’m asking you to join me in implementing a few simple household safety rules. They don’t have to be perfect, but they open the door to having a frank conversation with young drivers:
The “100 deadliest days” shouldn’t scare you away from enjoying a trip. Instead, let it be a reminder to bring your humanity with you when you get behind the wheel. Drive with the awareness that every other car on the road is carrying someone’s family just like yours.
As we move toward the summer of 2026, let’s commit to making it the safest one yet. Slow down, put the phone away and remember: The goal isn’t just to get out to the Beaches or your friend’s barbecue, it’s to make sure everyone gets back home safely.
Chuck Farah, senior managing partner, Farah & Farah, Jacksonville
This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: How Jacksonville families can navigate summer road risks | Opinion
Reporting by Chuck Farah, Guest columnist / Florida Times-Union
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