Why Do Teen-Involved Car Crashes Increase During Summer?

Through no fault of their own, teenage drivers across Washington and the rest of the nation lack the level of driving experience that older motorists have. This inexperience, combined with the risky driving behaviors that so many teenage drivers engage in, makes the summer months when most teens are out of school a particularly dangerous time to be on the road.

Per AAA Newsroom, the stretch of time that occurs between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year is such a dangerous time to travel the nation’s roadways that many now call it summer’s 100 Deadliest Days.

100 Deadliest Days Car Crash Statistics

More than 30% of all road deaths involving teenage drivers nationwide take place during the 100 Deadliest Days span. Between 2011 and 2020, more than 7,124 people died in summertime car wrecks involving teenage motorists. This equates to more than seven deaths per summer, which is higher than the six deaths seen per day throughout the rest of the year.

100 Deadliest Days Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Many teenage driver-involved wrecks share similar attributes. Fatal and nonfatal crashes involving teen drivers are more likely to occur at night when drivers are more prone to fatigue and there may be other impaired drivers on the roads. Many teen-involved summertime crashes also involve speed or alcohol abuse. Driver distraction is another frequent factor in teen driver-involved crashes, and other teenage passengers are a common and dangerous source of distraction.

Parents who have new drivers in their families may want to restrict their teens from driving after dark or driving with other young passengers until they become more comfortable and gain more experience behind the wheel.