‘100 Deadliest Days’ Begins For Teen Drivers: AAA Warning
With Memorial Day signaling the unofficial kickoff of summer, it’s important to be aware of the increased risk for young drivers during this time. According to AAA, the period known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” spanning from Memorial Day to Labor Day, sees over 30 percent of teen driver-related fatalities nationwide.
The AAA shared that summer can be risky for teen drivers. With school out, you’ll find more teens hitting the road, often with their friends, at all sorts of weird hours. And since they’re still new to driving, they’re more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors like speeding, getting distracted, or neglecting to wear seat belts. That’s why AAA is really urging parents to lead by example and instill safe driving habits in their teenage drivers.
National Teen Driver Statistics
Nationally, around 2,108 teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes every year. What’s even more alarming is that about 31% of these crashes happen during what they call the “100 Deadliest Days.” Sadly, these crashes result in an average of 2,341 deaths annually, with 732 of those fatalities occurring during those same “100 Deadliest Days.”
Common Risk Factors For Teen Drivers
Regarding road safety for teens, there are a few key points to remember. Distracted driving is a major risk, especially with electronics and teen passengers. Driving with teen passengers increases the likelihood of fatal crashes. Speeding is a significant factor in almost 30% of teen fatal crashes, said AAA. And wearing seat belts significantly reduces the risk of severe injuries or death.
Advice For Parents
According to AAA, parents can play a crucial role in promoting safe driving habits for their teens. They suggest parents lead by example, practice at least 50 supervised driving hours in various conditions, teach defensive driving skills, and establish a parent-teen driving agreement with clear rules and consequences. Parents can help shape their teens into responsible and safe drivers by being actively involved and providing guidance.
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