The “100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal teen crashes increase dramatically. Parents are the best line of defense to ensure a safe ride!
Distraction: According to the AAA Foundation for Safety, Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of 10 teen crashes, four times as many as official estimates based on police reports. The top distractions for teens include talking to other passengers in the vehicle and interacting with a smartphone.
Not Buckling Up: In research published in 2015, 60 percent of teen drivers killed in a crash were not wearing a safety belt. Teens who buckle up significantly reduce their risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash. And according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of the 22,215 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019, 47% were not wearing seat belts.
Speeding: Speeding is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers. A previous AAA survey of driving instructors found that speeding is one of the top three mistakes teens make when learning to drive.
Tips to Keep Teen Drivers Safe
Limit Passengers. When a teen driver has their friends in the car, the risk of a crash increases dramatically! Two additional passengers increase the risk of a crash by 158%.
Eliminate Distractions. It’s just not worth the risk! That text, TikTok, or email can wait. Instead, focus on driving, or pull over to a safe location if you must interact with your phone.
Restrict Nighttime Driving. Reduced visibility, inexperience, and driver drowsiness are all factors that make driving at night more dangerous for teens. Curfew restrictions apply during nighttime driving hours for all licensed teens aged 16 & 17.
Obey Posted Speed Limits. Speed is a factor in more than 33% of all fatal teen crashes. By paying attention and obeying all posted speed limits, we can all greatly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash.
Pay Attention. It only takes a second of driver inattention to trigger a fatal outcome. Scanning the road ahead helps you remain alert and be prepared for hazards or traffic conditions.
Buckle Up. Using a safety belt is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. Encourage your teens to buckle up every trip, every time.
Never Drive Impaired. Drugs and alcohol can alter your ability, perception, attention, coordination, reaction time, and other skills needed to drive alert and safe. Never ride with an impaired driver and always have a plan to get home safe! Parents, make sure your teen knows they can count on you for a safe ride!
Download our Social Media Kit:
Help us keep teen drivers safe! We’ve assembled a series of 16 social media graphics and some supporting content to help increase safety and awareness surrounding the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. Use the button below or click to download the 100 Deadliest Days Social Media Kit, which includes images for Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Together, we have the power to effect change and reach zero roadway fatalities and serious injury crashes.
Be sure to use the hashtag #FLTeenSafeDriver and #100DeadliestDays
Help Spread the Word:
? The “100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal teen crashes increase dramatically. ? Parents are the best line of defense to ensure a safe ride. ? #FLTeenSafeDriver #100DeadliestDays… Click To Tweet
? Younger drivers are far more likely to be in a serious crash when driving at night. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws ensure teens drive during less dangerous hours until they have gained more experience on the road. ⭐️ Learn… Click To Tweet
?? The dangers of speeding are real. Speeding increases the distance needed to be able to stop the car while reducing reaction time to avoid a potential collision. ✨Slow down and drive safe!✨ #FLTeenSafeDriver #100DeadliestDays… Click To Tweet
Parents can keep their teen driver safe by enforcing Florida’s GDL Laws, which reduce teen crashes by slowly introducing teens to more complex driving tasks as they mature and gain skills. ??? ⭐️ Learn more at: bit.ly/GDLflorida… Click To Tweet
? According to the Nat’l Safety Council, over half of distracted walking injuries occur in our own homes, proving that we need to stay aware of our surroundings whether indoors and out. Stay alert! Avoid cell phone use and wearing… Click To Tweet
⁉️ Did you know? When a teen driver has their friends in the car, the risk of a crash increases dramatically! Two additional passengers increase the risk of a crash by 158%. ? Limit teen passengers to ensure a safe ride. ???… Click To Tweet
✨Safe and attentive driving starts with you! Set the GPS and music playlist before you start driving. Leave the house a few minutes early, so you’re not rushed. These little things can have a BIG impact on safety.✨… Click To Tweet
⛑Florida law requires that anyone under 21 must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Regardless of your age, take precautions and always wear safety gear when operating a motorcycle, scooter, or bike! ?? #FLTeenSafeDriver… Click To Tweet
?According to a AAA PROMise survey, 87% of teens believe their peers are likely to drive impaired instead of calling their parents for help because they are afraid of getting in trouble. ✨Make sure your teen knows they can count on… Click To Tweet
? Parents are the key to a safe ride! Set a good example for your teen driver by following the posted speed limit, putting away your phone and obeying all traffic laws. ??? #FLTeenSafeDriver #100DeadliestDays #TeenDriving #EndDD Click To Tweet
?Driving high on marijuana poses a risk to everyone on the road. According to MADD, next to alcohol, marijuana is the drug most commonly found in drivers who have been in a car crash. Be safe. Don’t drive impaired. ??⚡… Click To Tweet
It only takes a second of driver inattention to trigger a fatal outcome.☠️ Teens are especially vulnerable to crashes due to inexperience. All drivers should pay attention and focus on safe driving. ???? #FLTeenSafeDriver… Click To Tweet
✔️Wearing your safety belt is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the chances of death and injury in a crash. Teen drivers have the lowest safety belt use rate of any age group. ? ➡️ Buckle up: every trip, every… Click To Tweet
?Speed is a factor in more than 33% of all fatal teen crashes. By paying attention and obeying all posted speed limits, we can all greatly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash. Drive safe. Don’t speed. ???… Click To Tweet