AAA warns of '100 Deadliest Days' as teen driving deaths surge during summer

Teenage driver deaths spike during the summer months, AAA data shows. (Photo by kadmy/Getty Images iStockphoto)

As teens across the country gear up for summer break, new data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is raising alarms about a deadly seasonal trend on the roads.

From 2019 to 2023, more than 13,000 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers nationwide — and over 30% of those fatalities happened during the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Dubbed the “100 Deadliest Days,” this period consistently sees a spike in teen-related traffic deaths, with an average of eight people killed daily in such crashes during summer, compared to seven on an average day during the rest of the year.

“Summer months are particularly dangerous as more young drivers hit the road during school breaks with many logging more unsupervised driving time than usual,” said Jana Tidwell, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

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In 2023 alone, crashes involving teen drivers claimed 2,897 lives nationwide — with 860 of those deaths occurring during the 100 Deadliest Days.

Delaware not immune to rising death toll

Delaware has seen its share of tragedy.

According to crash data analyzed by AAA, 63 people died in the state in crashes involving teen drivers from 2019 to 2023.

One-third of those deaths — 21 in total — occurred during the summer months.

Risky behaviors behind the wheel

Teen drivers are engaging in a range of high-risk behaviors, according to AAA’s 2023 Traffic Safety Culture Index. Among teen drivers aged 16 to 18:

46% admitted to reading a text or email while driving.
42% talked on a handheld phone.
49% exceeded speed limits on residential streets.
30% ran red lights.
17% drove without wearing a seatbelt.
10% admitted to driving after using marijuana.

Worryingly, many teens believe that a serious crash “won’t happen to them,” but AAA stresses that even responsible teens can make bad decisions behind the wheel.

“We encourage families to take advantage of AAA resources like our driver education classes and parent-teen safe driving agreements to help set clear expectations for driving privileges,” Tidwell said.

Parents can make a difference

Experts say parents play a key role in promoting safe driving habits.

Modeling good behavior, setting clear rules, and staying involved in their teen’s driving are proven ways to reduce risk.

AAA also recommends that teens take comprehensive driver education courses during the summer months and use phone features like “Do Not Disturb While Driving” to cut down on distractions.

“No one is invincible behind the wheel,” the organization stated.