'100 Deadliest Days' for Teen Drivers Have Begun, Says AAA | News

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Besides the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day also marks what AAA calls the start of the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers.”

The national group of auto clubs said in a news release that there was a slight increase in the number of fatal crashes involving teens between now and Labor Day, thanks in part to schools closing for the summer . It's a time when young people are spending more time on the road, AAA said.

Nearly half of fatal crashes involving teens occur during this period, AAA said, citing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA reported that nearly 6,700 people were killed between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend from 2013 to 2022.

In 2022, more than 700 people were killed in these types of accidents, AAA said, representing a 10% increase from 2019 before the pandemic.

That said, car crashes are the leading cause of death among teens ages 16 to 19, according to AAA.

“The important thing to understand is that the people killed in these crashes are not always the teenage drivers, but it could be their passengers or anyone else they encounter on the road,” said the spokesperson. word of AAA, Megan Cooper, in a press release. “AAA is sharing this information to remind all drivers to stay alert while driving this summer. We also encourage parents to have a serious discussion with their teen about the importance of safe driving.

AAA said some of the risk factors for teens include distracted driving, not wearing a seat belt and speeding.

AAA offers an online course for teen drivers and their parents to help reduce the risks teens face while behind the wheel.

To register, send an email [email protected] or call 888-222-7108.