Teen driver dangers multiply during ‘100 Deadliest Days’
Why do teen driver dangers multiply during the “100 deadliest days”? The one hundred days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest because there is a sharp increase in automobile fatalities involving young and inexperienced drivers. In fact, more than 30% of all teen driver deaths happen during the lazy, carefree days of summer. Summer 2023 is already in full swing, so sharpen your radar and be on full alert, concerned parents.
Why do teen driver dangers increase during the summer?
Overall, car crash risks increase for all ages in the summer due to road trips, vacations, and simply more drivers on the road. Yes, teen driver dangers exist throughout the year, but why are they more prevalent during the warmer, lazier days of summertime? Here’s a four-word answer from our safety partner AAA.
School’s out for summer!
The spike in teen driver car crashes is so significant that AAA coined the term the “100 deadliest days” to describe the dangerous time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Here’s what Rachel Wilson, Director of Driver Education Programs, AAA – The Auto Club Group, has to say about increased teen driver dangers during the “100 Deadliest Days.”
The single most important thing parents can do to help their teens become safe drivers is to be involved in their ‘learning to drive’ process. Spend time coaching your teen while they’re behind the wheel and have a serious discussion about safety. While parents can be a great teacher, it also helps to seek out professional training courses.
How can such a carefree, sunny season also be so deadly? Well, in winter months, teens may spend hours playing video games until their thumbs fall off. When the temperature heats up, so does their desire to get out and about. With friends in the car. And they’re not experienced drivers. It could be a recipe for disaster.
What else causes teen driver dangers to increase during the summer?
Here are even more reasons why summer is more deadly for teen drivers.
More time to drive
Think about it for a second. During the school year, teens probably drive to and from school during the weekdays. They may visit a friend or two over the weekend, but the bulk of their driving is going to school.
When the last bell rings to herald in the summer break, teen drivers suddenly have a lot more time on their hands. That means they will more likely be on the road looking for fun and adventure. This added driving time during the “100 deadliest days” is the #1 reason why teen driver dangers increase during the summer.
More passengers in the car
Teens not only have more free time in the summer, but so do all of their buddies. A single teen passenger in a car with a teen driver increases the risk for a crash by 44 percent.
In 15% of fatal summertime crashes involving a teen driver, the driver was distracted by a passenger. Parents, be sure to know and follow Joshua’s Law guidelines about extra passengers in the car, especially during the more deadly summer months.
What can concerned parents do to limit teen driver dangers during the “100 deadliest days”?
The facts are in. Teen drivers and summer don’t always mix well. So, what can YOU, the concerned parent, do to help keep your teen safe? Below are a few tips from Drive Smart Georgia.
Set a good example
If you don’t want your teen driver to speed, then don’t do it yourself. Your new driver is still watching everything YOU do, so set a good example by putting the phone in the glove box and obeying all traffic laws.
You might not think your teen watches and listens, but he does. He really does. Setting a good example is extremely important, especially during the “100 deadliest days.”
Practice those driving skills
Teens might have their license, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to hop on I-85, I-285, GA 400, or I-75 quite yet. Take a few practice trips with your teen on some of Atlanta’s busiest highways so he or she can gain more experience and confidence before making a solo journey during the “100 deadliest days.”
Avoid distractions
While texting and talking on a cell phone are certainly driving distractions, there are many more to avoid. Eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, finding a radio station, or using a navigation system all cause the driver to take his eyes off the road.
Make sure your new teen driver knows about ALL driver distractions and the possible consequences.
Limit nighttime driving
The fatal crash rate for teens doubles at night. At nightfall, ordinary risks are magnified by the darkness. In Georgia, a new teen driver must have at least six hours of night driving experience before getting a driver’s license. After they have it, the state imposes a 12 midnight – 5 am curfew on drivers ages 16-17.
Follow Joshua’s Law to a T
Joshua’s Law was passed in the state of Georgia in 2005 to help keep teen drivers safer on the road, despite a multitude of new and ever-present dangers.
So, exactly what is Joshua’s Law? What are its restrictions for teen drivers? Be sure to check out this in-depth article about the all-important law in Georgia and 16 other states. Make sure your teen driver follows it to the T, especially during the “100 deadliest days.”
Sign a teen driver-parent agreement
During the “100 deadliest days,” it’s important to address issues like nighttime driving and the number of passengers allowed in the car. Setting up driving rules and consequences not only drives safety home, but a signed contract can also add to your own peace of mind. Check out this Teen-Parent Driver Agreement from AAA.
The violations and consequences are entirely up to you. It’s important to get buy-in from your new driver. This can go a long way to ensure a safe, stress-free summer of 2023 for new teen drivers and their concerned parents – LIKE YOU!
Monitor your teen driver
Stay engaged with your teen’s driving habits. A National Safety Commission survey found many parents are more inclined to loosen household driving rules during the “100 deadliest days” in the summertime.
Don’t be that parent.
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Related articles:
- In-car driving lessons prepare teen drivers to hit the road safely
- Advice for nervous parents of new teen drivers
- What is Joshua’s Law? A guide for parents to limit teen driver dangers