The “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers, spanning from Memorial Day to Labor Day, are characterized by a notable increase in fatal car accidents. According to We Save Lives, a non-profit dedicated to changing dangerous driving choices, 260 teens are killed in car crashes each month during the summer. That is a 26 percent increase compared with the rest of the year. That is a significant increase.
Several factors contribute to this heightened risk:
- Increased Driving Time and Exposure. During the summer months, teens typically have more free time due to school vacations. This leads to more driving, both in terms of duration and frequency. With more teens on the road, the likelihood of accidents naturally increases. Additionally, teens often drive longer distances for vacations, road trips, and social activities, exposing them to unfamiliar roads and driving conditions.
- Distracted Driving. Distracted driving is a significant issue among teens. During the summer, distractions such as texting, using social media, talking on the phone, and interacting with passengers are more prevalent. Teens might also be more inclined to engage in risky behaviors like eating, drinking, or adjusting in-car technologies while driving, all of which divert their attention from the road and increase the risk of accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence. The summer months often coincide with increased social activities, including parties and gatherings where alcohol and drugs might be present. Teens may be more likely to drive under the influence or ride with peers who are impaired. This significantly increases the risk of fatal accidents due to impaired judgment, decreased reaction times, and diminished motor skills.
These factors combine to make the summer months particularly hazardous for teen drivers, leading to a spike in fatal accidents during this period.
At Fresh Green Light, we suggest that parents talk to their children about their behavior over the summer. Their driving privileges should continue to be tied to good behavior, when they’re behind the wheel and when they’re not.
Remember to put the phone down, buckle up, set navigation ahead of time, and never drink and drive. We hope everyone has a happy and safe summer! If you would like more information about distracted driving and ways to avoid it, please contact us. We are happy to answer any questions. Lessons@freshgreenlight.com.
For more information about Fresh Green Light, go to www.freshgreenlight.com.
