AAA: Teen-Driver Involved Crashes Kill 10 People a Day during '100 Deadliest Days'

Deadly Teen Crashes Jump 14 Percent over Summer Months

Speed and Nighttime Driving are Significant Factors

More than a thousand people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2016 during the 100 Deadliest Days, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. That is an average of 10 people per day – a 14 percent increase compared to the rest of the year, according to data analyzed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

As school lets out for summer, AAA stresses the importance of preparing and educating inexperienced teen drivers for some of the most dangerous driving days of the year.

“The number of fatal crashes involving teen drivers during the summer months is a significant concern for AAA and our traffic safety partners across the state” says Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford. “The victims of these crashes is often someone other than the teen driver so this is a time period where everyone is at increased risk”.

Connecticut Statistics

According to UConn Crash Data, over the past 5 years, there were 44 fatal crashes involving teen drivers during the ‘100 Deadliest Days’ time period, including 12 just last summer, at least half of which occurred after 9pm.

“None of the victims in any of the 12 crashes was the teen driver but instead one of his or her passengers or someone in another vehicle, tragically illustrating that this ‘deadly’ time period impacts everyone, not just teens and their parents,” Parmenter says.

AAA Foundation Analysis

Speed and nighttime driving are significant factors contributing towards the number of crashes, and subsequently fatalities, involving teen drivers during the 100 Deadliest Days (statistics based on 2016 NHTSA FARS data as analyzed by the AAA Foundation):

Nighttime Driving

• More than a third (36%) of all motor vehicle fatalities involving teen drivers occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 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 involving teen drivers during the 100 Deadliest Days compared to the rest of the year

Speeding

• 1 in 10 of all motor vehicle speed-related fatalities involved a teen driver
• Almost 30% of all motor vehicle deaths involving a teen driver were speed-related

Tips for Parents of Teen Drivers

In preparation for the dangerous summer driving period, AAA encourages parents to educate their teens and themselves about risky driving behavior. 

"Parents talking to their teens could literally be the difference between life and death" says Jennifer Shorette, Director of the AAA Driving School. "Set parameters - and also set a good example".

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.

TeenDriving.AAA.com has a variety of tools, including licensing and state law information, to help prepare parents and teens for not only the dangerous summer driving season, but also all year long. The site also features new interactive widgets highlighting teen driving risks, as well as a social host quiz. The online AAA StartSmart program also offers great resources for parents on how to become effective in-car coaches as well as advice on how to manage their teens’ overall driving privileges.

Strengthening teen driving laws to increase roadway safety is a top priority for AAA. The Association’s advocacy efforts are helping to protect teens by working to pass graduated driver licensing laws, including seat belt requirements, wireless device bans and nighttime driving and passenger restrictions, in states across the country.

About AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a not-for-profit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

About AAA: As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 58 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. Find more information on AAA clubs at AAA.com.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than one million members in Connecticut.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.aaa.com.