BIRMINGHAM – Getting your driver’s license is an exciting rite of passage for any teenager. But with that privilege comes risks that need to be taken seriously, especially during the time period known as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers.
The 100 Deadliest Days is a period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the number of crash fatalities involving teen drivers historically rise.
Many parents or caregivers don’t realize it, but the primary threat to their teen’s safety is driving or riding in a car with a teen driver. Crash data from 2013-2017 reveals major factors contributing to fatal teen crashes during the summer driving period are speeding, drinking and driving and distractions.
“Almost all car accidents are not really accidents at all; they are preventable,” said Marie Crew, director of Safe Kids Alabama at Children’s of Alabama. “Parents or caregivers need to talk to their teen often about avoiding dangerous driving behaviors.”
And if your teen hasn’t been driving as frequently because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important to remind your teen of the rules of the road. You as the parent or caregiver, might want to take a couple practice trips with your less experienced teen driver, Crew said.
Resources for teen drivers, parents and caregivers are available online at Children's of Alabama and Safe Kids Worldwide. Safe Kids Alabama’s safety programming is made possible in part by Kohl’s Cares, which supports the health and wellness of families in communities nationwide.
