AAA warns of ‘100 deadliest days’ for teen drivers between Memorial Day and Labor Day

As summer begins, safety experts are urging families to take action during what AAA calls the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers, the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

AAA reports that from 2019 to 2023, 13,135 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers across the U.S. More than 30% of those deaths occurred during the summer months when teens are more frequently behind the wheel with fewer structured routines.

Why Summer Is So Risky for Teen Drivers

Shawn Steward with AAA says the increased danger comes from teens spending more time driving in unstructured and potentially risky situations.

“During school, they’re going to class and maybe a job or activities, but in the summer, there’s a lot more that’s unstructured, and they can be out there on the road,” Steward said.

AAA points to key risk factors during this time of year, including:

1. Speeding
2. Driving with multiple passengers
3. Distractions, especially from phones

What Parents Can Do

Experts say one of the best ways to reduce risk is to limit distractions. That includes putting phones on “Do Not Disturb” mode before driving.

They also emphasize the importance of always wearing a seatbelt.

“Seat belts save lives, and if you’re not belted, then there is the potential for severe injuries — if not fatalities,” Steward said. “That’s probably the biggest one in terms of protecting yourself if a crash does occur.”

The Role of Driver Education

Robert Cole, who runs the Oklahoma Driving School in Tulsa, says formal driver education is another vital safety tool. He encourages parents to enroll their teens early.

“You know these 15-year-olds are going to be 21 years of age before they’ve seen it all, so the experience is what we like to see them get,” Cole said.

Cole says while instructors only get about six hours with a student, teens are required to log 50 hours of practice. That’s where parents come in.

“I don’t ask them to risk their life. I say, ‘Get into a residential area and just practice making right and left turns. That’s where it’s all at,” Cole said.

Oklahoma recently lowered the age for learner's permits and drivers' ed enrollment from 15 and a half to 15. Cole says those six extra months of learning and practice can reduce the risk of a crash by 20%.