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AAA shares safe driving advice for the ‘100 Deadliest Days’

Posted 1 June 2021 at 9:35 am

Fatal accidents with teen drivers increase dramatically between Memorial and Labor days

Photo by Tom Rivers: Lyndonville Central School on June 8, 2017 hosted a DWI crash simulation. The school has welcomed local firefighters, law enforcement, ambulance and Mercy Flight for a simulation before prom and graduation party season. They want to send an important reminder to students to not drink and drive. Lyndonville and Medina firefighters volunteered in the simulation in 2017, using extrication tools to pull students out of the vehicles. About 200 students watched first responders work to help students in the vehicles. The students wore makeup to appear bloodied. Three students were put on stretchers and put in ambulances. Two students had blankets placed on them to signify their deaths.

Press Release, AAA Western and Central New York

The “100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal teen crashes increase dramatically.

Nationwide, more than 7,038 people died in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days” over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2019.  That’s more than seven people a day each summer.

In New York State, 196 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days” over the 10-year span, down from 222 people from 2008 to 2018. AAA continues to raise awareness in an effort to save lives.

The 196 people killed during summer months over the 10-year span equates to a summertime average of 19.6 deaths. It’s a dramatic increase from 320 people who were killed over the course of nine non-summer months over the 10-year period.

‘Some may think that winter would be the worst season for young drivers, but it’s not, it’s summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. These young drivers have grown up with a phone in their hand. Now is the time to separate that phone use from driving – mobile devices have no place behind the wheel.’ – Trooper James O’Callaghan

AAA teamed up with the New York State Police to raise awareness of traffic safety as Memorial Day kicked off the 100 Deadliest Days. Trooper James O’Callaghan, Public Information Officer for Troop A, pointed out the dangers of summer.

“Some may think that winter would be the worst season for young drivers, but it’s not, it’s summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day,” he explained. “These young drivers have grown up with a phone in their hand. Now is the time to separate that phone use from driving – mobile devices have no place behind the wheel.”

This summer, as communities reopen with COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, could prove deadly as teens enjoy newfound freedom.  Due to their inexperience, teen drivers are at a higher risk of crashes. According to the latest AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Culture Index, about 72% of teen drivers aged 16-18 admitted to having engaged in at least one of the following risky behaviors in the past 30 days:

  • Driving 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street (47%)
  • Driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway (40%)
  • Texting (35%)
  • Red-light running (32%)
  • Aggressive driving (31%)
  • Drowsy driving (25%)
  • Driving without a seatbelt (17%)

“Parents have plenty to be concerned about as their teen hits the road this summer,” said Elizabeth Carey, AAA Western and Central New York’s director of PR & Corporate Communications. “Teens are faced with more distractions than ever before, leading to deadly mistakes, and parents are the best line of defense to keep everyone safe behind the wheel.”

Teens should store phones out of reach, mind speed limits, and stay away from impairing substances such as alcohol and marijuana. AAA encourages parents to:

  • Talk with teens early and often about avoiding dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment and distracted driving. Serve a role model for safe behavior.
  • Teach by example, minimize risky behavior; conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving with their teen.
  • Make a parent-teen driving agreement setting family rules for driving.