The time from Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers, and AAA is warning about the higher chance of fatal crashes during this summer period. Data shows a 30% increase in deadly crashes involving teenagers in the summer compared to other times of the year, resulting in approximately eight daily fatalities among teen drivers.

Factors contributing to this rise include distractions, speeding, and lack of experience. Rachel Wilson from AAA explains that summer driving often includes friends, which can lead to more distractions.

AAA identifies several key risk factors: teen drivers aged 16-17 are three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than adults. Distractions, especially from teen passengers and cell phones, are involved in nearly 60% of crashes. Speeding plays a role in 30% of fatal accidents, and the risk increases with each additional teen passenger. Not wearing a seatbelt also raises the chance of serious injury or death.

Parents are encouraged to help. AAA suggests that they set good examples by driving safely, provide supervised driving practice, teach defensive driving, and create a parent-teen driving agreement. AAA also offers resources like the “How to Drive Online” course to support safe driving habits as part of its broader campaign for safer roadways.