As prom season, graduation celebrations and summer break begin, many teens are looking forward to more freedom, later nights and time with friends. But experts say this time of year also brings increased risks on the road for young drivers.
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers because fatal crashes involving teens rise significantly during the summer months. According to AAA, more than 30% of deaths in crashes involving a teen driver occur during this period. On average, eight people are killed every day in summer crashes involving teen drivers, compared with seven per day during the rest of the year.
“Prom, graduation and summer break are exciting milestones, but they also create situations that can increase risk for teen drivers,” said Marcy Shyllon, Executive Director of Boys Town New England. “Late nights, extra passengers, distractions and the pressure to keep up with friends can all make an already high-risk situation even more dangerous.”
Why Teen Drivers Face Greater Risk
Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for teens in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2,800 teens ages 13 to 19 were killed and about 227,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 — roughly eight teen deaths every day.
While inexperience plays a major role, certain situations can increase the danger even more:
● Nighttime driving: The CDC reports the fatal crash rate for teen drivers ages 16 to 19 is about three times higher at night than it is for adults ages 30 to 59.
● Late-night travel: Nearly 44% of teen crash deaths occurred between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
● Teen passengers: Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that carrying passengers increases crash risk for teen drivers.
“Parents sometimes assume the biggest concern is reckless behavior, but even responsible teens can get into trouble when they are driving at night, carrying friends or making quick decisions in unfamiliar situations,” said Shyllon. “That is why clear boundaries matter.”
Tips for Families During the “100 Deadliest Days”
Before prom, graduation parties and summer outings begin, Boys Town New England encourages families to set clear expectations and have open conversations about driving safety.
Consider these important guidelines:
● Limit nighttime driving
● Restrict teen passengers
● Require seat belt use on every trip
● Avoid all phone use while driving
● Create a clear plan for rides home after late events
● Remind teens they can always call a parent or trusted adult for a safe ride
“The goal is not to take the excitement out of prom or graduation,” said Shyllon. “It is to help teens celebrate safely and make it home. A few clear rules and conversations ahead of time can make a life-saving difference.”