When Florida schools let out each summer, the state sees an influx of teen drivers taking to the roadways, and this presents new dangers to everyone traveling them. The summer months when most teens are home have become so dangerous and deadly for driving that they have become known as summer’s “100 Deadliest Days.”
Just how deadly is this timespan? According to AAA, more than 1,050 people lost their lives on U.S. roads between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2016, with an average of 10 people dying in teen-driver-involved wrecks each day. This means there are 14% more road deaths during this period than there are throughout the rest of the year, making this one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road.
Nighttime driving especially hazardous
While teenage drivers may endanger others on the road simply due to a lack of driving experience, many of the driving behaviors common among them further compound risks. Many teenage drivers struggle to drive safely after dark, with research showing a 22% increase in teen-driver-involved nighttime crashes occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Speed often a factor
Speeding, too, is common among newer drivers. Teenage drivers are responsible for causing one out of every 10 speed-related road deaths, regardless of whether they occur during the “100 Deadliest Days” period.
It is worth noting that Florida has rules in place dictating certain hours when teenagers may not drive state roadways. If you are the parent of a teen driver, make sure he or she is aware of these rules and follows them accordingly.
