100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers

AAA is currently raising awareness about the 100 Deadliest Days on U.S. roadways for teen drivers. According to AAA, the time from Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days. During this time, there is a major increase in fatal motor vehicle crashes involving teens. It’s not just that teens have more free time when school is out. Teen drivers are actually more likely to engage in “joyriding” type behaviors behind the wheel, because they may not have specific destinations in mind like getting to school.  

During this time, parents are being urged to talk to their teen drivers about several preventable risk factors that can increase the likelihood of getting into an injury causing or fatal crash. Issues like speed, alcohol, not buckling up, distractions and even additional teen passengers can increase the likelihood of getting into a wreck.  

Teen Driving by The Numbers  

  • From 2011 to 2020, there were 7,316 people killed in teen driver-related summertime crashes on U.S. roadways.  
  • That’s nearly half of the total number of those killed in teen-driver crashes for the rest of the year.  
  • In 2021, 900 people were killed in these types of crashes, which was a six-percent increase from the previou year and a 25-percent increase over pre-pandemic 2019.  

Tips for Parents  

Parents have a lot of influence over their teen drivers, and driving is definitely a privilege. Parents are reminded to talk to their teens regularly about safe driving habits. Talk about it so much. The more you talk about it, the better. Don’t think your child automatically knows not to drive distracted. Talk about it to them on a consistent basis.  

Remind them to always buckle up and never drive impaired or distracted. Parents should also talk to their teens about the dangers of distracted driving and of speeding. Finally, set some rules about who can ride in the car with your teen driver. Each additional teen passenger can increase the chances of getting into a wreck.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident involving a teen driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.