According to an AAA Foundation study released today, July andAugust are the deadliest driving months for 16- and 17-year-olddrivers — crash deaths for drivers of these ages average nearly 20percent higher in the two months, relative to the average monthlytoll. The keys to lower death and injury crash rates are nighttimeand passenger restrictions for teens behind the wheel, saidAAA.

“The summer months can be particularly deadly for teen drivers,”said Susan Pikrallidas, AAA vice president of public affairs.“Summer vacation for teens often means unstructured schedules, lessguidance from mom and dad, and more exposure to crashes.”

The main difference between crash-free and crash-involved teendrivers, according to the study, is overall compliance with stategraduated driver licensing (GDL) programs, adherence to trafficlaws and regulations, and parental involvement. Twice as manycrash-free teens reported never having violated their state'spassenger restriction provision than teens who had crashed.