The 100 Deadliest Days: Teen Driver Crashes Jump in Summer Months

Crash data reveals California has third highest number of people killed in teen crashes.

According to AAA and the Auto Club of Southern California, 13,135 people nationwide died in a crash involving a teen driver between 2019-2023. In California alone, 990 people died in teen crashes during that same period. Approximately 30% of those deaths occurred during the 100 Deadliest Days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to a AAA review of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On average, eight people are killed per day in teen-involved driving crashes in the summer, compared to seven per day during the rest of the year.

In 2023 alone, the most recent year of complete crash data, 2,897 people were killed in crashes in the U.S. involving a teen driver. A third of those deaths, 860, happened during the 100 Deadliest Days.

“Summer can be a risky time as more young drivers hit the road during school breaks, often driving unsupervised more than usual,” said Doug Shupe, Auto Club Corporate Communication Manager. “We encourage families to make the most of AAA’s resources, like our driver education classes and parent-teen safe driving agreements, to set clear expectations for driving privileges.”

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also has new research highlighting the life-saving potential of smartphone-blocking technology. Parents should encourage teens to use “do not disturb” features on their phones to silence distractions while driving.

Teen Driving Facts

  • Distractions, speeding, not buckling up and impaired driving are leading contributors in fatal teen driving crashes.
  • 60 percent of all teen crashes involve a form of distraction. Other passengers and technology such as smart phones are some of the top distractions for teens behind the wheel.
  • Teen drivers are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be killed in a crash.
  • Speed is a factor in 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.
  • Approximately 60% percent of teen drivers killed in a crash were not wearing a seat belt.
  • One in 10 teens report drinking and driving themselves.

To keep roads safer this summer, the Auto Club encourages parents and guardians to:

  1. Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment, distracted driving and not wearing seatbelts.
  2. Teach by example and be a good role model. Minimize risky behavior when driving because young people are watching what adults do.
  3. Establish a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen driver

Ensure teens follow the California Graduated Driver Licensing laws, which requires:

  • A minimum six-month learner’s permit period and parent/guardian certification that the teen driver completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night
  • A teen driving curfew between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for 12 months during the provisional license
  • Also, during the 12-month provisional license, a ban on passengers under age 20 unless accompanied by a licensed driver over 25 years old

 

Image Sources

  • Teen Driver: Shutterstock