Memorial Day kicks off 100 deadliest days for teen drivers, says AAA

(CBS DETROIT) – According to AAA, the deadliest time of year for teen driving is the 100-day period between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.

“This is the time of year when there is an increase in fatal crashes involving teenagers,” said Adrienne Woodland, a spokeswoman for AAA.

Woodland said the data is staggering.

“According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, nearly half of teen driving deaths occur during the peak 100-day period,” she said.

AAA released this data after Memorial Day weekend:

National Teen Driver Statistics:

• On average, 2,146 teens are involved in fatal crashes each year, and 670 (31%) of them occur during the 100 deadliest days.
• These accidents result in an average of 2,390 deaths per year, and 744 of these deaths occur during the 100 deadliest days.

Michigan Teen Driver Statistics:

• On average, 63 teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes each year, and 23 (36%) of them occur during the 100 deadliest days.
• These accidents result in an average of 68 deaths per year, and 25 (36%) of these deaths occur during the 100 deadliest days.

Woodland said the only way to create a safer summer for teen drivers is to educate them.

“One of the most important things parents can do to help their teens become safe drivers is to participate in the learning process with their teens, and they also want to spend time coaching them while they are behind the wheel and that they have a serious discussion about safety while your teen is behind the wheel,” Woodland said.

Other important safety reminders for parents, according to AAA:

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 accident 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.