Why the 100 days Between Memorial & Labor Day Demand our Attention for Teen Drivers and Passengers
Why the 100 days Between Memorial & Labor Day Demand our Attention for Teen Drivers and Passengers
Nighttime crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days increase by 22% on average.
(AAA)
In 2024, 51% of teen drivers (ages 15–20) who died in passenger vehicle crashes were unbuckled. When the teen driver involved in the fatal crash was unbuckled, 9 out of 10 passengers who died were also unbuckled.
(CDC)
60% of teen crashes involve distracted driving.
(AAA)
Almost 30% of fatal teen crashes involve excessive speed.
(AAA)
In 2022, an estimated 13.6 million people ages 16 and older drove after using illicit drugs, including 12.5 million who drove after using marijuana. (SAMHSA)
The 100 days between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend are the most dangerous time of year for teen drivers and passengers. A combination of increased freedom, inexperience, and risky behaviors leads to a tragic rise in fatal crashes.
Here are the facts that highlight just how serious this issue is and why we must take action:
The Stark Reality
In 2023 alone, the most recent year of complete crash data, 2,897 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver. A third of those deaths, 860, happened during the 100 Deadliest Days.
Young drivers accounted for 8.9 percent of all drivers in fatal traffic crashes in 2023. However, young drivers were only 5.1 percent of all
licensed drivers in 2023.
(NHTSA)
IIHS data show that teen motor vehicle crash deaths are highest during the summer months, with fatalities peaking in June 2024, totaling 2899 for the year.
50% of motor vehicle crash deaths among teenagers in 2024 occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Between 2013 and 2022, 7,435 lives were lost in summer crashes involving teen drivers.
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In 2022, 790 people died - a 10% increase from pre-pandemic 2019.
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In 2021, 900 people died - a 6% increase from 2020, and 25% higher than 2019.
(NHTSA)
Young Drivers, High Risk
Teenagers drive less than most age groups, but they face a much higher risk of being involved in serious crashes. Data from the National Household Travel Survey show that drivers ages 16–19 have a fatal crash rate per mile driven more than three times higher than drivers ages 20 and older, with the highest risk among 16- and 17-year-old drivers.
(IIHS)
Compared to adult drivers, teens are significantly more likely to be involved in crashes.
(NHTSA)
The fatal crash rate per mile driven for drivers aged 16–19 is nearly 3 times higher than for drivers aged 20 and older. Risk is highest at ages 16–17.
(IIHS)
Dangerous Times and Behaviors
Nighttime driving remains a major risk for teen drivers. In 2022, teen crash deaths occurred most frequently between 9 PM and midnight, and the nighttime fatal crash rate for teen drivers ages 16–19 was about three times higher than for adult drivers per mile driven.
In 2024, 51% of teenage motor vehicle crash deaths occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, with crashes occurring most frequently between 9 p.m. and midnight (18%), followed by 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (18%) and midnight to 3 a.m. (17%).
The fatal crash rate at night among teen drivers (ages 16–19) is about three times higher than that of adult drivers per mile driven. Teenage motor vehicle crash deaths occurred most frequently between 9 p.m. and midnight (20%), followed by 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (16%).
Many pediatricians discuss alcohol and seatbelts with teens, but important risk factors like nighttime driving and teen passengers are often overlooked.
(CHOP)
Slow Down! In 2020, 35% of male drivers and 18% of female drivers ages 15–20 involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the crash.
(CDC)
What’s Fueling the Danger?
Every One of These Crashes Is Preventable
The numbers are clear – and preventable. This is a crisis we can address by raising awareness, promoting safe driving habits, and empowering teens and families with the tools they need to stay safe.
