Why the '100 Deadliest Days' Are So Dangerous for Teen Drivers

Crash Rates Spike Among Teens From Memorial Day to Labor Day

Summer has a way of luring us into a false sense of ease. The sun shines a little longer, the roads feel more inviting, and for teenagers, the open road calls louder than ever. But hidden beneath the freedom of these months is a heartbreaking truth: summer is the deadliest season for teen drivers.

According to AAA, more than 13,000 people were killed in car accidents involving a teen driver between 2019 and 2023. A full third of those deaths happened between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This is a stretch they call the “100 Deadliest Days.” During this time, an average of eight people are killed each day in teen-involved crashes. That’s one more per day than the rest of the year. One more life. One more empty chair at the table.

In 2023 alone, 2,897 people lost their lives in these crashes, and 860 of those deaths occurred during summer. If we know when the danger is highest, the next question becomes: what are we doing about it?

Why does summer pose risks to teen drivers?

When school lets out, teens suddenly gain a level of freedom that feels exhilarating. But behind the wheel, that freedom can be risky. With fewer routines and more social outings, they’re on the road more often and without an adult in the passenger seat.

During summer, teens drive to jobs, pool parties, concerts, and late-night hangouts. They drive farther and stay out later. The more time they spend behind the wheel, the more chances there are for something to go wrong.

Certain factors make this time of year particularly dangerous, including:

• Lack of structure: No school means less supervision and more solo driving.
• Peer passengers: Teen drivers with other teens in the car are significantly more likely to be involved in a crash.
• Overconfidence: Many young drivers tend to overestimate their capabilities, especially after obtaining their license.

What can parents and teens do right now to prevent crashes?

You don’t have to be an expert to protect your teen on the road. What matters most is consistency and communication. Parents are still the most significant influence on a teen driver. It starts with setting the right example and building good habits early on.

Here are a few simple, proven steps families can take:

• Be a model driver: No speeding, no texting, and no shortcuts. Your teen is watching everything you do behind the wheel.
• Have conversations about safe driving: Regular check-ins about driving are more effective than one big speech.
• Establish a parent-teen agreement: These written contracts outline expectations and consequences, keeping everyone on the same page.

Summer also presents a great opportunity to build more driving experience. Schedule supervised driving in different settings, such as at night, in the rain, and on the highway. If your teen hasn’t taken a defensive driving course or formal driver’s ed, consider enrolling them for the summer.

How serious is distracted driving among teens?

Smartphones are part of life, but in the driver’s seat, they’re dangerous. Distraction plays a role in far too many teen crashes. While official numbers link it to around 9 percent of fatal crashes, the real figure is likely much higher.

Distractions come in many forms, including:

• Texting and scrolling through social media
• Adjusting music or navigation apps
• Talking with passengers or eating while driving

The human brain isn’t wired to perform two or more tasks simultaneously. Even a quick glance at a phone can delay reaction time. For teens, who are still gaining driving experience, that split second can make all the difference.

How can teen drivers use the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature?

It might seem ironic, but the same smartphones that distract young drivers also hold the key to helping them stay focused. Nearly all modern phones come with a feature called “Do Not Disturb While Driving,” and it’s surprisingly effective.

This setting blocks incoming calls, texts, and notifications while driving. It can even send automatic replies that let friends know the driver is busy and will respond later. Importantly, it doesn’t block music or GPS apps. Still, many teens don’t use this feature. Some don’t know it exists. Others worry they’ll miss something important. But when used correctly, it’s a powerful safety tool.

To determine whether education makes a difference, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a 10-week study with drivers aged 18 to 24. For the first five weeks, the participants drove without any intervention. Then they received training on how to use the “Do Not Disturb” feature and turned it on for the next five weeks.

The results were dramatic:

• 50% didn’t know the feature existed before the study
• 85% didn’t know how to activate it
• 65% didn’t realize it could turn on automatically

After the training, all of them knew how to use it—and used it more often. The study showed:

• A 41% drop in smartphone interactions while driving
• A 6% reduction in phone pickups
• A noticeable improvement in focus and safety, even if opinions about the feature didn’t change

Injured in a crash involving a teen driver? Our Bay Area lawyers can help

If you or your teen was hurt in a crash involving a teenage driver, now is the time to talk to someone who knows how to help. At Clancy & Diaz, LLP, we have worked with families across the Bay Area who are rebuilding their lives after a serious crash. Our attorneys are here to walk you through your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We know that after an accident, finances are often one of the biggest concerns. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. You owe us nothing unless we win your case. Our goal is to ensure you receive the support, guidance, and results you need without adding to your financial stress. With our free consultation, there’s no risk in reaching out to see if you have a case.

Contact us online or call us today to book a free consultation with our legal team. We’re ready to help you take the next step with clarity and compassionate legal care.

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