AAA says the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the most dangerous time for teen drivers.
The time period is known as the 100 Deadliest Days. AAA’s Jim Garrity says in 2016, more than 1,000 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver during that time period, which is an average of 10 people per day.
“Given their inexperience behind the wheel and with more drivers on the road, the summer months are the riskiest for teen drivers,” says Theresa Podguski, AAA East Central Director of Legislative Affairs. “Although the facts are tragic, they present an opportunity to focus on and discuss what can be done to improve the safety of teenagers on the road.”
AAA says speed and nighttime driving are factors in the increase in crashes.
Nighttime Driving & Speeding
- 36 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities involving teen drivers occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- Data show a 22 percent increase in the average number of nighttime crashes per day involving teen drivers during the 100 Deadliest Days compared to the rest of the year
- 29 percent of all motor vehicle deaths involving a teen driver were speed-related
“Given the danger that speeding and nighttime driving present to teen drivers, we recommend parents be actively involved in their teen’s learning-to-drive process,” continues Podguski.
In preparation for the dangerous summer driving period, AAA encourages parents to educate their teens and themselves about risky driving behavior. Parents should:
- Discuss with teens early and often the dangers of risky driving situations, such as speeding and nighttime driving.
- Discuss with teens the dangers and consequences of distracted driving (i.e., texting, having multiple people in the car, etc.).
- Teach by example and minimize your own risky behavior when behind the wheel.
- Make a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers. Consider setting driving limits that are stronger than a state’s law, and enforce those limits.
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