As summer officially kicks off, AAA is issuing a stark warning to parents and teen drivers: the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day marks the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers, a time when fatal crashes involving this age group see a significant spike. Data reveals an average of eight people are killed every day in teen-related crashes during this summer stretch.

According to a AAA review of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash data, deadly crashes involving teen drivers increase by a staggering 30% during the summer months compared to the rest of the year. This alarming trend is attributed to increased time on the road, often with friends, and a greater propensity for risky driving behaviors among inexperienced teen drivers.

“During the summer, teen drivers are on the road more often, usually with friends, which increases the risk of distraction and dangerous driving habits,” said Rachel Wilson, Director of Driver Education for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Many feel invincible behind the wheel, underestimating the dangers of speeding, distractions, and not wearing a seatbelt. But crashes hit different when they happen to you —and by then, it’s too late.”

New drivers aged 16-17 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than adults. AAA highlights several key contributing factors to this heightened risk:

• Distraction: Nearly six out of ten teen crashes involve some form of distraction, with teen passengers being the leading culprit, followed by cell phones and infotainment systems.
• Speeding: Almost 30% of fatal teen crashes involve excessive speed.
• Driving with Teen Passengers: Studies show that the risk of a fatal crash increases with each additional teen passenger.
• Failure to Wear a Seatbelt: Non-use of seatbelts significantly increases the likelihood of serious injury or death.

“Teens are inexperienced behind the wheel, and that lack of experience combined with risky behaviors is a dangerous mix,” added Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “More teens die in car crashes during summer than any other season. Parents must take an active role in coaching their teens and reinforcing safe driving habits.”

AAA urges parents to play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by:

• Leading by Example: Demonstrating safe driving behaviors by avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, and always buckling up.
• Providing Supervised Practice: Ensuring at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice in diverse conditions, including nighttime, inclement weather, highways, and busy streets.
• Teaching Defensive Driving: Encouraging teens to anticipate hazards, stay alert, and maintain a safe following distance.
• Creating a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement: Establishing clear rules regarding driving privileges, outlining consequences for violations, and recognizing safe driving.

To further support safe driving habits, AAA offers valuable educational resources, including “How to Drive Online,” a self-paced 25-hour online course, and access to the AAA Approved Driving School Network.

This summer, AAA is also launching its new “Crashes Hit Different” campaign, focusing on the four leading contributors to traffic injuries and fatalities for all drivers: impaired driving, distractions, not buckling up, and speed. The campaign aims to partner with roadway safety organizations, community groups, and individual drivers to end these preventable tragedies.