Memorial Day marks the start of what is known nationally as the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers. Studies by AAA show there is a sharp increase in fatal crashes involving teen drivers between Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, and Labor Day.
In 2023, the most recent data available, 2,897 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver — a third of those deaths happening during the 100 deadliest days, according to AAA.
The National Road Safety Foundation has launch a campaign to turn them into the 100 Safest Days of Summer, with the hope of reducing the number of teens killed on our roads. The foundation offers the following tips and also has an online pledge parents and teen drivers can take to commit to being safer this summer.
Driver Safety Tips for Teens
- Limit the number of passengers in vehicles to avoid distractions (New Jersey places several restrictions on teen drivers, you can find them here).
- Follow the speed limit, pay attention to all road signs and traffic signals, and don’t follow the car in front of you too closely.
- Always wear your seatbelt. The CDC reports that “seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45 percent, and cut the risk of serious injury by 50 percent.”
- Never drink and drive.
- Avoid driving drowsy or on little sleep.
- Avoid distractions and focus on the road to ensure a safer ride.
Driver Safety Tips for Parents
- Talk to your teens to make sure they understand the rules and increased risks during the summer months.
- Model good driving behavior. Teach your children to be good drivers by being a good driver yourself.
- Driving recommendations change, consider taking a defensive driving course or refresher to help make you a safer driver and a better example to young drivers.
- Check out the National Road Safety Foundation’s Passport to Safe Driving for tips and talking points.