The 100 Deadliest Days are as scary as they sound.

The “100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the average number of deadly teen driver crashes climbs 14 percent compared to the rest of the year. 

A time when teens should be enjoying summer vacation turns into a time of worry for friends and family.

In 2016, more than 1,050 people were killed in crashes involving inexperienced teen drivers during this deadly period. That’s an average of 10 people a day.

The most common factors? Distraction, speed, nighttime driving and not wearing seatbelts.

• 36 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities involving teen drivers occurred between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• 1 in 10 of all motor vehicle nighttime crash fatalities involved a teen driver 
• Data show a 22 percent increase in the average number of nighttime crashes per day involving teen drivers during the 100 Deadliest Days compared to the rest of the year
• 1 in 10 of all motor vehicle speed-related fatalities involved a teen driver 
• 29 percent of all motor vehicle deaths involving a teen driver were speed-related

 
So, how do we combat this growing problem? AAA encourages parents to educate their teens and themselves about risky driving behavior.  Parents should:

• Discuss with teens early and often the dangers of risky driving situations, such as speeding and nighttime driving. 
• Teach by example and minimize your own risky behavior when behind the wheel.
• Make a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers. Consider setting driving limits that are stronger than a state’s law, and enforce those limits. 

Through education, proper training, and involvement of parents, we can help our young drivers to become better and safer drivers, which in turn keeps the roads safer for everyone.