100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers 

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and a dangerous time of year for young drivers, reports AAA. Nationwide, more than 30 percent of deaths involving teen drivers occur during what’s called the “100 Deadliest Days”, a period that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens ages 16-19. For every mile driven, new teen drivers (ages 16 – 17) are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults.  An average of 2,108 teens are involved in deadly crashes every year.  660 (31%) of those occur during the 100 Deadliest Days.  These crashes result in an average of 2,341 deaths per year and 732 of those fatalities occur during the 100 Deadliest Days.  Understanding the risks and knowing the facts will prepare both you and your teen for the road ahead.  Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of ten teen crashes. Electronics like cell phones and in-vehicle infotainment systems are considered the second-biggest distraction to teen drivers. The biggest distractions are teen passengers.  Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash increases in direct relation to the number of teenagers in a car (NHTSA). Having other passengers in the car can contribute to peer pressure and the impulse to engage in dangerous habits like speeding and aggressive driving.  Speeding is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.  Teens who buckle up significantly reduce their risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash.