Teen Drivers and Passengers Most At Risk in the Summer

AAA reports that seven of the 10 deadliest days of the year for teenagers driving and riding in cars occur in the summer, and urges parents to help keep their kids safe. According to an AAA report, more than 7,300 teenage drivers and passengers died in traffic crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day between 2005 and 2009. An average of 422 teens died in traffic accidents during each of the summer months, compared to an average of 363 teen deaths in other months. “Life feels more care-free when school’s out and teens have more opportunities to drive or ride in cars late at night with other teens,” AAA vice-president Kathleen Marvaso said.

Among other things, AAA urges parents to:

• Restrict driving and eliminate non-essential driving,

• Limit the number of teen passengers, and

• Restrict night driving