What Are the 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers and How to Stay Safe
The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the "100 Deadliest Days" for a reason. According to AAA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike during this time. Teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to the rest of the year. As a law firm committed to protecting Connecticut families, Sousa Law, LLC wants to make sure you're informed, prepared, and empowered.
Why Are the 100 Deadliest Days So Dangerous?
Several factors make summer a particularly dangerous time for young drivers:
More time on the road: With school out, teens are behind the wheel more often.
Inexperience: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes teen drivers are nearly three times more likely to crash than older drivers.
Distractions: Phones, passengers, music, and even eating while driving contribute to 60% of teen crashes.
Speeding: In 2022, 35% of male teen drivers in fatal crashes were speeding. For female teen drivers, that number was 17%.
Drunk driving: Despite laws and education, 30% of fatal teen crashes involved a BAC above 0.01.
Fatigue: With late nights and long summer days, drowsy driving is a real danger.
What Parents Can Do
Parents play a critical role in improving teen driver safety. Here are a few proactive steps:
Start the conversation. Talk about the 100 Deadliest Days, the risks, and the rules.
Set clear expectations. Enforce curfews, limit passengers, and establish zero-tolerance policies for texting or drinking while driving.
Model safe behavior. Teens often emulate their parents. Buckle up, stay off your phone, and obey speed limits.
Invest in education. Defensive driving courses can update your teen's skills and give you peace of mind.
Safety Tips for Teen Drivers
Limit passengers. It's not only distracting—in many cases, it's illegal.
Stay alert. Avoid driving when tired, and never use your phone behind the wheel.
Always wear a seatbelt. It reduces the risk of death by 45%, according to the CDC.
Obey speed limits. Speeding is a top factor in teen driving fatalities.
Never drink and drive. Period.
How Sousa Law, LLC Can Help
At Sousa Law, LLC, we’ve spent nearly 40 years advocating for families across Connecticut. If your family has been affected by a motor vehicle accident—whether during the summer or any time of year—we’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
If your teen has been injured in a car accident or if you’re facing legal challenges related to a crash, call us today at (203) 929-8283 or contact us online for a free consultation.