Schools have closed for the summer and more teens are on the roads. From Memorial Day through Labor Day is a period known as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers,”. This is a time when there is an increase in the number of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
“The risk gets higher during the summer for teen drivers and everyone else they share the road with,” said Molly Hart, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Now that school is out, these young, inexperienced drivers will spend more time on the road with their friends.”
According to NHTSA, nearly half of teen driver-related deaths occur during the 100 Deadliest Days. A total of nearly 6,700 people were killed during this period, from 2013-2022. In 2022 alone, 707 people were killed in these types of crashes – a 10% increase over pre-pandemic 2019.
“The important thing to realize is the people killed in these crashes are not always the teen driver, but it can be their passengers or anyone else they encounter on the road,” Hart continued. “AAA shares this information to remind all drivers to stay alert while behind the wheel this summer. We also encourage parents to have a serious discussion with their teen about the importance of being a safe driver.”
Common Risk Factors for Teen Drivers
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens ages 16-19. For every mile driven, new teen drivers (ages 16 – 17) are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults.
Distracted driving. Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of ten teen crashes. Electronics like cell phones and in-vehicle infotainment systems are considered the second-biggest distraction to teen drivers. The biggest distractions are teen passengers.
Driving with teen passengers. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash increases in direct relation to the number of teenagers in a car (NHTSA). Having other passengers in the car can contribute to peer pressure and the impulse to engage in dangerous habits like speeding and aggressive driving.
Speeding. Speeding is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
Not wearing a safety belt. Teens who buckle up significantly reduce their risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash.
