Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and a period known as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers,” which runs through Labor Day weekend. This is a time when there is an increase in the number of crashes involving teen drivers.
The summer months are an especially dangerous time for teens because they often have more freedom, are driving with other young people, and they may not fully understand the potential risks they face while on the road,” said Pat Moody, manager of public affairs for AAA Northern New England. “However, parents and guardians can play a crucial role in keeping young drivers safe by enforcing rules of the road, ensuring teens follow state graduated driver licensing laws, and by being a good role model when behind the wheel themselves.”
According to NHTSA, nearly half of teen driver-related deaths occur during the 100 Deadliest Days. A total of nearly 6,700 people were killed during this period, from 2013-2022. In 2022 alone, 707 people were killed in these types of crashes – a 10% increase over pre-pandemic 2019.
Over the last five years in Maine, teenagers were involved in over 5,300 crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days (MEDOT), resulting in 13 fatalities.
Common Risk Factors for Teen Drivers
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens ages 16-19. For every mile driven, new teen drivers (ages 16 – 17) are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults.
- Distracted driving. Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of ten teen crashes. Electronics like cell phones and in-vehicle infotainment systems are considered the second-biggest distraction to teen drivers. The biggest distractions are teen passengers.
- Driving with teen passengers. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash increases in direct relation to the number of teenagers in a car (NHTSA). Having other passengers in the car can contribute to peer pressure and the impulse to engage in dangerous habits like speeding and aggressive driving.
- Speeding. Speeding is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
- Not wearing a safety belt. Teens who buckle up significantly reduce their risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash.
AAA’s Advice for Parents
- Lead by example. Minimize risky behavior when you drive. Don’t drive aggressively, avoid distractions, and always wear your seatbelt. Your driving skills and judgment behind the wheel shape your child’s view of safe driving habits, even before they’re old enough to drive. Make safe driving a priority in your own life.
- Conduct at least 100 hours of supervised practice driving. Let your teen drive in a variety of conditions including inclement weather, busy interstates, and at night. This will help them become a more confident driver in imperfect situations.
- Establish a parent-teen driving agreement which sets family rules like when the teen can drive, where they can go and with who. Then clearly outline the consequences for breaking the rules and rewards for driving safe.
- Ensure teens follow your States Graduated Driver Licensing laws which place restrictions on novice drivers. These laws are intended to allow new drivers to gain valuable driving experience under lower risk conditions.