100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers

School is ending and the peak of summer sits right around the corner, along with it the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers.” This is the time period from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  

New crash data from 2013-2017 reveals the major factors contributing to fatal teen crashes during summer include: 
•    Speeding 
•    Drinking & driving
•    Distracted driving  

While teens make mistakes while first learning to drive, educating them and demonstrating safety behind the wheel can aid them in avoiding such endangerment to themselves and those around them.

Especially in the summer, less time spent sitting in a classroom leaves ample free time to possibly fall into the wrong situation.

Talk with your teen early in the summer. AAA, encourages parental dialog to teach by example and minimize risky behavior themselves while driving.

• Empower teens to say “no thanks” to drug or alcohol, to speak up when they feel uncomfortable, and to stop a friend or anybody who has been drinking or taking drugs from getting behind the wheel.
• Remind them to always adjust the seat, steering wheel, mirrors, buckle up, keep music volume down and store away cell phone. This will help create a safer drive with less distractions. 

Establishing and maintaining an open conversation about the summer and safe driving is one step forward in making the difference and helps everyone to create a summer to remember.

Resources and tips for safe driving in the summer

We Save Lives-Highway Safety Advocates
AAA Public Relations News article
Keys 2 Drive a AAA Guide to Teen Driver Safety
Safe Driving Tips

Kaylee Hill is a Youth Health Connection volunteer. She attends Wellesley College.

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