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In 2016 during the “100 Deadliest Days” period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, more than 1,050 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers. This equates to an average of 10 people per day, according to data analyzed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. AAA is stressing the “importance of preparing and educating inexperienced teen drivers for some of the most dangerous driving days of the year.”

Dr. David Yang, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety executive director said on May 30, 2018, “The number of fatal crashes involving teen drivers during the summer is an important traffic safety concern and research shows that young drivers are at greater risk and have higher crash rates compared to older and more experienced drivers. Through education, proper training, and involvement of parents, we can help our young drivers to become better and safer drivers, which in turn keeps the roads safer for everyone.”

AAA reports that there are several reasons teens die or are the cause of other fatal accidents. These reasons are: inexperience behind the wheel, speeding, not wearing seatbelts, driving while impaired and distracted driving.

Statistics from 2016 NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) FARS data which was analyzed by AAA showed:

Nighttime Driving

• 36 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities involving teen drivers occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• 1 in 10 of all motor vehicle nighttime crash fatalities involved a teen driver.
• Data show a 22 percent increase in the average number of nighttime crashes per day involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days” compared to the rest of the year.

Speeding

• 29 percent of all motor vehicle deaths involving a teen driver were speed-related.
• 1 in 10 of all motor vehicle speed-related fatalities involved a teen driver.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. says, “Once a teen acquires a driver’s license, a parent’s involvement in the teen driving process does not end. During this particularly dangerous period, we encourage parents of teen drivers to be involved and educate their teens about the risks in driving.”

 Here is what AAA advises parents do when they have teen drivers:

• Discuss with teens early and often the dangers of risky driving situations, such as speeding and nighttime driving.
• Teach by example and minimize your own risky behavior when behind the wheel.
• Make a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers. Consider setting driving limits that are stronger than a state’s law, and enforce those limits.

AAA asks parents to take advantage of the various tools it offers to help parents and teens. TeenDriving.AAA.com includes licensing and state law information, a social host quiz, along with interactive widgets which highlight teen driving risks. AAA also has an online StartSmart program which offers resources for parents on how to become effective in-car coaches as well as advice on how to manage a teen’s overall driving privileges.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.