Memorial Day kicked off the beginning of summer; however, with it came what the AAA (American Automobile Association) calls the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers. The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are some of the most dangerous times to be on the road. According to a study by AAA, over 5,000 people died in crashes involving teen drivers in the years between 2010 and 2014 during these 100 days. This is thought to be the result of numerous factors. More people are on the road, and for longer as the days are longer. Gas prices are usually lower. Teens are out of school and have time to drive around both before and after school hours. More than anything, however, this is a result of driving under the influence of alcohol and distracted driving. The summer months account for more underage drinking than any other time of year. Approximately six thousand more teenagers experiment with substances during the summer than during the rest of the year. It is no surprise that the instance of teen substance abuse and teen car accidents coincide.

• About 31% of accidents in the US are alcohol-related
• 40% of alcohol-related fatal car crashes involve teens
• 1 in 5 of all teen deaths in car accidents are alcohol-related.

Another large factor in automobile related deaths is distraction. When the weather is nicer and more activities are recreational rather than academic, more teens drive while distracted. Distracted driving includes texting; however, it also includes eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading, using a navigation system, watching a video, or adjusting a radio, CD player, or the music on your phone. Summertime brings a much needed break for most teens; however, if you plan on being on the road this summer either driving or as a passenger, take the proper precautions and avoid distraction in order to stay safe.

Safe driving resources:
http://www.aaa.com
http://www.learn-about-alcoholism.com/statistics-teenage-drunk-driving.html
https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving#5056
https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/teendrinkinganddriving/index.html
https://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html

– Oliver