The 100 Deadliest Days are here, and teen crashes are about to spike.
Every year, the roads get more dangerous from Memorial Day to Labor Day. As temperatures rise, so do deaths: in 2022 alone, 790 people were killed in teen driver-related summertime crashes.
A lot of accidents happen because young drivers are inexperienced. They're more likely to engage in risky behaviors (often without understanding the dangers) than adult drivers. Many fiddle with their phones, get distracted by their friends, and drive impaired after summer parties.
If you're taking driver's ed, practicing driving, or taking the road test during the summer months, you need to be extra careful behind the wheel.
7 Things You Must Know to Prepare for the 100 Deadliest Days
Drivers may be in for a bit of a bumpy road over the next 100 days, but that doesn’t mean you should be afraid to drive. These seven pieces of important advice will help keep you safe.
1. Seatbelts Can Save Your Life
Even if you follow everything you learned in driver's ed, you might still get into a crash. If you do, wearing a seatbelt could save your life. In 2021, more than half of teens between the ages of 13 and 19 who died in car crashes were not wearing seatbelts. Not buckling up is illegal in most states — and it’s a mistake that could cost your life.
2. Say No to Drunk Driving
More drivers hit the road under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the 100 Deadliest Days. In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired traffic incidents. Each one of these deaths could have been prevented. Never drive drunk, buzzed, or high — and don’t let your friends do it either.
3. Phones Behind the Wheel Kill
When you pay attention to your phone, you're not paying attention to the road. If a car suddenly brakes in front of you, or if a deer crosses the road, you won't have enough time to react. Distracted driving kills, so when you’re driving, always keep your phone where you can't reach it.
4. Rest is Your Best Friend
You might not be pulling all-nighters to study for a test, but summertime fun can keep you up late. Getting enough sleep is critical to preventing accidents, especially during the 100 Deadliest Days. Try to get about 8 to 10 hours of solid sleep a night. And remember that drowsy driving can be as dangerous as distracted driving.
5. More Passengers are a Recipe for Disaster
Every additional teen passenger increases the risk of a car crash. That's because when you ride with your friends, you're more likely to get distracted by fun conversations and horseplay. If you can, split up your friend group into separate cars. And if you can't, make sure everyone knows how to be a safe passenger.
6. Avoid Driving During Dangerous Times of Day
Some times of day are more dangerous for driving than others. For example, 44% of driving deaths among teens occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Rush hour can also be a stressful time behind the wheel. While you're still a novice driver, consider staying off the road during these times.
7. The Roads Will Get Better
Learning to drive during the 100 Deadliest Days can feel scary, especially after reading through all these stats. But don't let driving anxiety stop you from earning your freedom.
The roads will get less dangerous after Labor Day. Of course, there will always be challenges when driving during the school year. But by then, you'll have more experience and know what to do.
Master Safe Driving Skills This Summer
The more practice you get behind the wheel, the more secure you'll feel in your skills. Aceable’s online driver’s ed course is the best way to boost your confidence, so you can feel safe on the roads. You’ll learn all kinds of safety tips that even some experienced drivers don't know, putting you in the best possible position to get through summer unharmed. Get started today.
Updated 7/16/24