KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of what safety experts call the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” for teen drivers — a period that runs through Labor Day.
AAA said car crashes involving teen deaths spike during this period. Traffic crashes are the main cause of death for teens between 16 and 19 years old. For every mile driven, new teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said nearly half of teen driver-related deaths happen during the 100 deadliest days. AAA said risk factors include distracted driving and driving with other teens. NHTSA said the chance of dying directly relates to the number of teens in the car. Other risks include speeding and not wearing a seatbelt…