Before a child gets their permit, parents should spend time with them in the car to educate them on driving dos and don’ts. (Credit: motortion/Adobe Stock)

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 18-year-olds in the U.S., and teens experience crash rates almost four-times those of drivers age 20 and over.

The likelihood of teens being involved in a fatal crash is even higher between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which has earned this period the nickname “The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” During this time frame, the CDC reports teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash.

What makes these 100 days so dangerous?

The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) attributes this uptick in teen accidents to several factors, including the fact that most kids are on break from school which puts more inexperienced drivers on the road during the day. Distracted driving is also a major contributor, accounting for 60% of teen crashes.

Speeding is another factor in teen accidents, with speed reported as a reason for 35% of men and 17% of women ages 15 to 20 who were involved in fatal accidents in 2022.

Despite the national drinking age in the U.S. being 21, drunk driving also helps boost accident numbers among teens. In 2022, 30% of drivers between 15 and 20 years old who were killed in crashes had blood alcohol levels of .01g/dL or higher.

Setting teen drivers up for success

To combat the increase in teen driving deaths in the summer, USAA has created a “Safe Driving Simulator.” The simulator provides a five-minute experience that tests a young driver’s ability to navigate driving while handling distractions. The insurer plans to bring the simulator to events in Fort Worth, Texas and Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia.

For those unable to get their teen to the simulator, USAA offers the following tips for raising a safe, responsible driver:

  • Start young. Before a child gets their permit, parents should spend time with them in the car to educate them on driving dos and don’ts.
  • Reinforce learning. Show an interest in what your teen is learning in their driving courses. Having conversations about the material will help them retain the knowledge.
  • Take turns behind the wheel. Even after your teen has gotten their license, you should continue to coach them during their first few years of driving. To do this, it’s important to regularly ride with your teen to observe their habits and provide pointers.
  • Lead by example. Kids are always watching. Model the driving behaviors you want them to emulate.
  • Get them a safe car. While teens may want a ride that looks sleek or sporty, safety should come first when choosing their vehicle. A safer car not only better protects your child, but can also cut your insurance premiums.
  • Give them stakes. Consider telling any teens on your auto insurance policy that in the event of an at-fault accident they will be responsible for paying any applicable deductible. Giving clear guidelines and consequences will help them take driving seriously.
  • Teach them to be good passengers. Not only will your teen be driving, but they’ll likely end up riding with their equally inexperienced driver friends. Teach them to avoid being a distraction to the driver and to speak up if they see their friends practicing dangerous driving habits.

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