AAA says deadliest driving days for teens have begun – 95.3 MNC

Schools have closed for the summer and more and more teenagers are on the roads. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is a period known as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Driving.” We live in a time where the number of fatal accidents involving teen drivers is increasing.

“The risk increases during the summer for teen drivers and everyone they share the road with,” said Molly Hart, spokesperson 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 the NHTSA, nearly half of teen driver-related deaths occur during the 100 deadliest days. In total, nearly 6,700 people were killed during this period, from 2013 to 2022. In 2022 alone, 707 people were killed in these types of accidents, an increase of 10% compared to 2019 , before the pandemic.

“The important thing to understand is that the people killed in these crashes are not always the teen drivers, but it could be their passengers or anyone else they encounter on the road,” Hart continued. “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.

Common Risk Factors Among Teen Drivers

Road accidents are the leading cause of death among adolescents aged 16 to 19. For every mile driven, new teen drivers (aged 16 to 17) are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than adults.

Distracted driving. Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of ten teen accidents. Electronic devices like cell phones and in-car infotainment systems are considered the second biggest distraction for teen drivers. The biggest distractions are the teenage passengers.

Driving with teenage passengers. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash increases in direct relation to the number of teenagers in a car (NHTSA). The presence of other passengers in the car can contribute to peer pressure and incentives to engage in unsafe habits like speeding and aggressive driving.

Speeding. Speed ​​is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teens.

Do not wear a seat belt. Teenagers who buckle up significantly reduce their risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash.