AAA warns of teen driver fatalities spiking during the ‘100 Deadliest Days’

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)- A troubling seasonal trend on America’s roadways, as fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike during the summer months. According to crash data reviewed by AAA from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 30% of all fatal teen involved crashes between 2019 and 2023 occurred between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a period now known as the “100 Deadliest Days.”

Nationwide, 13,135 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers during that five year span. In Missouri alone, 413 people lost their lives in similar incidents. In 2023, the most recent year with complete data, 2,897 people died in teen involved crashes. 860 of those deaths, nearly a third, occurring during the summer period between Memorial day and Labor day.

On average, eight people are killed each day in teen related crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days, compared to seven per day the rest of the year.

“We’re in a time period now, what’s known in traffic safety as the 100 Deadliest Days,” said Nick Chabarria, AAA spokesperson. “It’s an important time for young drivers, teen drivers, as well as their guardians and parents to make sure they’re having conversations about ways to stay safe out on the roads and some of the dangers that they may face this summer.”

AAA suggests families talk with teen drivers about safe driving practices, limiting nighttime driving, and avoid distractions to help reduce the risks during the high-danger months.

Find out more about this topic tonight at 9 pm on FOX23 News.