Summer is a Dangerous Time for Teen Drivers

Summer is a Dangerous Time for Teen Drivers

Fatal crashes continue to rise across our state and with teens out of school, they are at greater risk on our roads. We are now in a period known as the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers. Data shows more than 30% of deaths involving teen drivers happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Nationwide, over 7,000 people died in teen-related crashes during summer months of 2010-2019. The Florida Department of Transportation confirms that the average number of crashes and fatalities involving teenagers increase by 16% from late May to September when kids are out of school. In addition, AAA expects that the past two years of pent-up travel demand due to COVID-19 may lead to more traffic, which raises the crash risk especially for young drivers who have less experience.

Everyone should be conscious that we all have a duty to drive safe. Risks multiply when young drivers have teen passengers in the car so parents must set limits for their kids and enforce them. Parents should also model good driving behavior - it could save your teens life.

UthMpact teen leaders have created a social norms campaign with a clever theme of “Your Future is Deer!” to help increase awareness and remind peers of important safety measures before they get behind the wheel.

UthMpact Facts focus on driving responsibly and defensively, and most of all, NOT driving distracted! Stay safe this summer and when on the roads, obey the posted speed limit, buckle up, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol or ride in a car driven by an impaired driver.