A new report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety calls the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day the deadliest time for new teenage drivers. Between 2010 to 2019, more than 7,000 people died in teen-driving-related crashes in the summer months. 

Studies show that 60% of fatal crashes involving teenage drivers are linked to distracted driving — like texting, talking on the phone, interacting with passengers, or eating behind the wheel. Research also suggests that having just one teenager in your car increases the risk of a fatal crash by 44%. 

“There are more daily deaths in crashes involving teen drivers during the summer months than the rest of the year because teens tend to have more unstructured time behind the wheel,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “So what can be done? We can encourage teens to double down on staying focused when driving, buckling up for every ride, and driving within posted speed limits.”

Here’s how you can protect yourself and your teen drivers during the 100 deadliest days: 

Buckle up: 60% of teenage drivers killed in crashes were not wearing their seatbelts, according to data from a 2015 study. Wearing your seatbelt and reminding your passengers to buckle up is one of the simplest ways to make sure you make it to your destination safe and sound. 

Watch your speed: Speed is a factor in nearly 30% of fatal crashes involving young drivers. Research suggests that not all speed-related crashes involving teens are due to intentional risk-taking, but are the result of inexperience and a lack of driving skills. If your child is a teen driver, take extra time to help them learn how to manipulate the brakes and accelerator to slowly reduce their speed in traffic and at intersections. 

Distraction: Teens frequently use their phones to navigate and play music while driving, but that doesn’t mean they should be touching or using their phones while on the road. Programing your music and GPS before hitting the gas, keeping your phone out of arms reach, and using Do Not Disturb mode are non-negotiables while driving. 

Sign Hunter’s Pledge to End Distracted Driving

Hunter’s Pledge was designed to encourage drivers to commit to safe driving habits. Since 2016, tens of thousands of drivers have signed the pledge and permanently changed their driving behaviors. Studies show that signing a pledge can dramatically and permanently change behaviors. In fact, 55 percent of people who sign Hunter’s Pledge have changed their driving behavior. 

Hunter’s Fund

Hunter’s Fund honors the life of Hunter Watson, a young man of extremely diverse talents who was killed at 20-years-old when he was fatally injured as a passenger in a distracted driving collision.

Through distracted driving education and awarding grants to help young people’s involvement in performing arts, music, computer science, and entrepreneurship, Hunter’s Fund empowers young people in their careers and keeps Hunter’s spirit alive.

Does your fraternity or organization want to get involved with Hunter’s Pledge? Click here for more information, or contact Laurel Holmes laurel@hunterwatson.org.