Every year, as school ends and summer begins, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day marks a troubling trend on American roads. Known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” this stretch is especially dangerous for teen drivers. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 30% of deaths involving teen drivers occur during these months.
For parents, this isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call to action. With school out, more teens are on the road, often with less supervision, more distractions, and a tendency to underestimate risks. Understanding why this time of year is so hazardous and what can be done to improve teen driving safety is essential.
There are a few key reasons why crash rates involving teens spike during this time:
Teens are on summer break and spend more time behind the wheel. With school schedules off, they’re driving more for work, social events, vacations, or simply because they have free time.
Teen drivers lack experience, and that increases the likelihood of making poor decisions on the road. They are more prone to underestimate dangerous situations or overcorrect in a crisis.
Teens are more likely to have friends in the car during summer, especially with fewer restrictions on their time. Studies show that crash risk increases dramatically with each additional teen passenger.
Parental involvement remains one of the most effective tools in reducing teen driving risks.
Even if your state’s graduated licensing laws don’t restrict nighttime driving or the number of passengers, parents can set their own limits. Limiting high-risk situations can cut crash risk significantly.
Have real conversations about phones, music, GPS use, and other distractions. Help teens develop the habit of setting up everything before they start driving.
Spend time driving with your teen in various conditions (at night, in bad weather, in traffic) to build experience and reinforce good habits.
Many families find success with a “parent-teen driving contract.” This helps set expectations clearly, outlining rules, consequences, and rewards.
Your teen is watching you more than you think. If you text and drive, speed, or run red lights, it sends a message that those actions are acceptable.
According to Attorney Stephen Bridger from Phoenix, Arizona, “Parents play an enormous role in shaping their teenagers’ driving habits. By setting clear expectations, providing guidance, and fostering open communication, we can help our young drivers make safe and responsible choices on the road.”
Stephen Bridger is a lawyer based in Phoenix, currently employed at the Pinal County Prosecutor’s Office. As a state prosecutor, he works to hold offenders accountable and promote public safety. While he does not represent individual clients or provide legal advice, his professional role gives him a unique perspective on how reckless decisions behind the wheel can have lasting consequences.
