The significant rise in teen driver car crashes during the summer months has led AAA to coin the term "100 Deadliest Days." This is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Statistics show that teen car accidents surge during this period because teens are out of school and on the roads more frequently.
The AAA Foundation's research suggests that inexperience combined with increased driving can create a particularly dangerous situation for teen drivers during the summer.
What causes more teen driving crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days?
Why does this carefree, sunny season turn deadly?
In winter, teens may spend hours indoors playing video games. But when summer arrives, their desire to venture out increases. With friends in the car and their lack of experience, it can be a dangerous mix.
The top reasons include:
- More free time: Teens typically drive to and from school during the school year. Once summer starts, they have much more free time, leading to more time spent on the road. This increase in driving is the primary reason for the rise in teen driver dangers during the “100 Deadliest Days.”
- More passengers in the car: With extra free time, teens often drive around with friends. A single teen passenger increases the risk of a crash by 44%. In 15% of fatal summer crashes involving teen driving, the driver was distracted by a passenger.
- Teen driver inexperience: Teens might be comfortable driving familiar routes, but summer often brings new destinations and routes. Inexperience means they’re not always equipped to handle new driving situations, as well as older drivers. For example, driving on major highways without prior experience can be risky.
How can parents reduce teen driving risks during the “100 Deadliest Days”?
The responsibility to reduce teen driving collisions doesn't just fall on teen drivers. Parents can help prevent such tragedies as well. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Practice driving skills: Even if your teen has their license, they might not be ready for major highways. Practice driving on busy roads together to help them gain experience and confidence.
- Limit nighttime driving: Teen crash rates double at night. Georgia law requires new teen drivers to have at least six hours of night driving experience before getting their license and imposes a curfew from midnight to 5 am for drivers aged 16-17.
- Follow Joshua’s Law: Joshua’s Law was enacted in Georgia to enhance teen driver safety. Ensure your teen understands and follows its requirements, especially during the “100 Deadliest Days.”
- Avoid all distractions: Distractions while driving go beyond texting or talking on the phone. Eating, drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, and using navigation systems can all divert attention from the road. Educate your teen on all potential distractions and their consequences.
- Set a good example: Your driving habits set a standard for your teen. Avoid speeding, put your phone away, and follow traffic laws to model safe driving behavior.
- Sign a teen driver-parent agreement: Establishing rules for nighttime driving and passenger limits can enhance safety. A signed agreement with set rules and consequences can provide peace of mind. Consider using a Teen-Parent Driver Agreement from AAA.
- Monitor your teen driver: Stay involved with your teen’s driving habits. A National Safety Commission survey found that many parents relax their driving rules during the summer. Don’t be that parent.
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