Summer Driving Safety for Teens – ABC23

Summer is the most dangerous season for teen drivers, according to AAA

According to the American Automobile Association, Memorial Day through Labor Day are the 100 deadliest days.

Our own Zac Kaye spoke with local experts and law enforcement about how to keep yourself safe on the roads. He joins us live now with more

A State College Area School District driving instructor says teen drivers have a lot more time on their hands in the summer, leaving more chance of an accident happening, especially if they're not careful.

According to AAA, drivers ages 16 and 17 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. They consider Memorial Day through Labor Day to be the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers, with more than 7,000 deaths during that period during the 2010s.

“They're in summer mode, where they're not as busy, so they're probably more prone to distractions like playing loud music and then, of course, it's also peak travel season, so there's just a lot more people on the road.

Wilson is an English teacher at State College High School and has been teaching driving skills for nine years. She says students who complete their car education program, where she rides with the new driver, are much less likely to get into an accident or receive a citation.

“They understand all these things when they actually do them. Driving is a multitasking activity, and students are not good at it. So they really have to learn to integrate all aspects of driving.

Wilson says many people worry about driving in snow or ice, but not about driving in the rain, which can be just as dangerous.

Ferguson Township Police Officer Travis Park says it's important for new drivers to stay focused and not use their phones, especially when conditions aren't ideal.

“If something happens, at the end of the day you're the driver, you're responsible for everyone in that car, you're responsible for everything around the car, and if you don't pay attention and you end up by
If you get into an accident, it could cause serious injury and, ultimately, you are to blame.