AAA shares its tips for the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers:

ATLANTA – AAA is sharing information for teen drivers during the Deadliest 100 Days period, from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend.

Release:

Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer and a period known as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers,” which runs through Labor Day weekend. We live in a time where the number of fatal accidents involving teen drivers is increasing.

“Now that school is out, the risk increases during the summer for teen drivers and everyone they share the road with,” said Montrae Waiters, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Due to inexperience, teens are more likely to engage in dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, and not wearing a seat belt. AAA urges parents to practice safe driving behavior and reinforce safe driving habits with their teens to help keep them safe this summer.

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.

“AAA is sharing this information to remind all drivers to stay alert while driving this summer. We also encourage parents to have a meaningful discussion with their teen about the importance of being a safe driver,” Waiters continued.

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 almost six out of ten accidents among adolescents. 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 the risk of fatal accidents increases in direct relation to the number of adolescents in a car (NHTSA). The presence of other passengers in the car can contribute to peer pressure and encouragement to engage in unsafe habits like speeding and aggressive driving.
• Speeding. Speed ​​is a factor in almost 30 percent of fatal accidents involving teenage drivers.
• Do not wear a seat belt. Teenagers who buckle up significantly reduce their risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash.

AAA Tips for Parents

“The most important thing parents can do to help their teens become safe drivers is to get involved in their 'learn to drive' process,” said Rachel Wilson, director of driver education programs, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Spend time coaching your teen while they are behind the wheel and have serious discussions about safety. While parents can be excellent teachers, it's also helpful to seek professional training, such as those offered by AAA.

• Lead by example. Minimize risky behaviors when driving. Don't drive aggressively, avoid distractions and always wear your seat belt. Your driving skills and judgment behind the wheel shape your child's view of safe driving habits, even before they are old enough to drive. Make safe driving a priority in your own life.
• Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice. Let your teen drive in a variety of conditions, including bad weather, busy highways, and at night. This will help them become a more confident driver in imperfect situations.
• Teaching Defensive Driving Skills. Help your teen anticipate potential risks by constantly scanning the road for dangers. Then share tips on how to safely avoid them.
• Establish a parent-teen conduct agreement this establishes family rules like when the teen can drive, where they can go, and with whom. Then, clearly describe the consequences of breaking the rules and the rewards for safe driving.

AAA offers online driving course

AAA How to drive online provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills needed to reduce the risks teens face while driving. This additional program is a 25-hour online course that includes:

• Convenient delivery at your own pace.
• Research-based program.
• Videos, simulations and interactive exercises to improve content retention.
• Optional virtual parent session to help educate parents on the process of learning to drive.

Driving lessons behind the wheel

THE AAA approved driving school network helps identify the best driver training resources in your local community. These schools have met AAA's strict standards and offer quality programs and the best value for students.

To learn more, visit AAA.com/Drive, contact [email protected] or call (888) 222-7108.