'Deadliest 100 Days' for Teen Drivers Have Begun, Florida Attorney General Warns

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — As summer heats up, so does the danger on Florida's roadways. Memorial Day marks the start of what safety experts are calling the 100 deadliest days of summer, due to a surge in fatal crashes involving teenagers.

State data for the period last year leading up to Labor Day shows teens were involved in 20,000 crashes, resulting in six deaths per week.

According to the AAA, traffic accidents are a leading cause of death among adolescents aged 16 to 19. Experts say teen drivers are almost three times more likely to be killed than those aged 20 and older.

“I repeat, parents. Teen drivers are three times more likely than adults to be involved in a fatal crash,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody.

Argia Papas graduated from college earlier this month. She told CBS12 News she has learned a lot since getting her license.

“I think being so young, I didn’t have that many worries,” Argia said. “I think now that I'm older, I've learned that you have to be afraid of certain things. Actions have consequences.

For Argia's mother, Liz Papas, she said she only has one rule.

“Don’t have too many kids in one car. Yeah, try to limit it, no more than three. That’s what I always told him,” Liz said. “The more kids there are, the more distraction there is.”

Officials are urging parents to sit down and talk to their teens about ways to make safe, smart choices while driving.

AAA reports that between 2013 and 2022, there were more than 21,000 fatal crashes involving teens in the United States, 31% of which occurred between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Photos, flowers and balloons now mark the site of a tragic accident in Port St. Lucie that claimed the lives of three young people, including two teenagers, in March.

See also: Van overturns on I-95, causing traffic delays between main exits in West Palm Beach

State officials say teens are known to take risks while driving and can be easily distracted.

“Whether it’s texting, trying to pick up something that you drop. Talk to other passengers in the car. We know that teenagers like to pile into cars. You know. I know that. We remember it even when we were teenagers during the summer,” Moody said.

Put down your phone and pay attention. That text, TikTok, or any other notification can wait.

“I've seen it so many times that I always think people drive like thugs around here,” said Palm Beach County resident Brad Debbaudt. “Sometimes they tend to use their phone when they're at a red light and don't notice when the light turns green, and I have to honk at them.”

For parents, experts say the best thing you can do is lead by example. Buckle up, stay focused on the road and keep your cool.