The 100 deadliest days for teen drivers

While many think of summer as a time to unwind, parents of teenage drivers have a much more sobering statistic to consider: a greater number of teens are killed in auto accidents during the hundred days following Memorial Day than any another time period of the year.

This may sound like a jarring statement, but it is meant to bring awareness to the fact that over 5,000 youthful drivers were killed in auto accidents during the same time period of days between 2010 and 2014. And that figure is only increasing.

According to AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety, the likelihood of a crash involving drivers aged 16 to 19 increases 16 percent per day over those outside this timeframe.

What causes these accidents?

It is important to think like a teen in order to understand what is causing this spike in fatal accidents. Distractions are often the biggest reason these accidents occur with examples including cell phone use, texting while driving, conversation with passengers and loud music.

In addition, kids are more likely to be out of the realm of their normal driving patterns during the summer — i.e. taking trips to the lake or a friend’s house on roads that they aren’t accustomed to driving on during their normal commute to school, work or home.

Another reason for teenage accidents? The season is traditionally an increased time for road construction in many areas due to warmer weather, which adds an extra layer of hazardous conditions for drivers of all ages.

How can you help prevent your teen driver from being involved in an accident?

While absolute prevention isn’t completely possible, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your teen stays safe during all times of the year. For example, set clear expectations regarding what areas are safe to travel and the ones that should be avoided. Also, have a zero-tolerance policy on cell phone using, including calls, texting and social media. You may also consider limiting or restricting passengers in the car, including friends and siblings, until the teen becomes more experienced on the road.