Fatal Teen Crashes Increase During '100 Deadliest Days'

Two weeks ago marked the start of the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers, which is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes involving teen drivers have historically increased.

Nationwide, more than 7,000 people died in crashes involving teen drivers from 2010 to 2019 during the time period, and this year, as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, more young drivers will be on the road.

According to the AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index, about 72 percent of teen drivers aged 16-18 admitted to having engaged in at least one of the following risky behaviors in the past 30 days:

• Driving 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street (47 percent)

• Driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway (40 percent)

• Texting (35 percent)

• Red-light running (32 percent)

• Aggressive driving (31 percent)

• Drowsy driving (25 percent)

• Driving without a seatbelt (17 percent)

To keep roads safer this summer, AAA encourages parents to:

•  Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment and distracted driving.

• Teach by example, and minimize risky behavior when driving.

• Establish a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers.

• Conduct at least 65 hours of supervised practice driving with their teen.