Road Safety

Driver Education

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Let’s Make This Summer the Safest Yet for Teen Drivers

ISA Device

What are the “100 Deadliest Days”?

During the summer, teens gain more independence, spend more time with friends, and log more miles behind the wheel. But summer freedom also comes with more risk.

The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days” due to the sharp rise in teen driving crashes that occur during the summer months, making this the  riskiest time of year for young drivers. That’s why  we joined the coalition alongside the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF), the Gweedo Memorial Foundation, Impact Teen Drivers, SADD, We Save Lives, and many others to turn this period into the 100 Safest Days of Summer:  a nationwide effort to promote safer driving and increase awareness on the road. 

 

Why Summer is Historically the Most Dangerous Time of Year for Teen Drivers

For many teens, summer means  jobs, sports practices, road trips with friends, social events, and more freedom to drive independently. While these experiences help build confidence and responsibility, the increased time on the road also increases their exposure to risky situations, including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and other dangerous behaviors.

Parents know these risks all too well. Concerns about speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, nighttime driving, and passenger safety are among the most common  for families with teen drivers. While tracking apps and vehicle monitoring tools can provide valuable insights into a teen's driving habits, they  don’t actively prevent teens from one of the biggest driving risks: speeding.

Active Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) helps prevent teens from speeding in real time by keeping drivers within posted speed limits. With active ISA installed in their vehicle, teens are unable to exceed legal speeds, reducing crash risk before it becomes a problem. ISA offers a proactive solution for parents seeking more than just visibility into their teen’s driving, offering more peace of mind for parents while promoting safer driving habits for teens.

 

Smart Habits to Keep Teen Drivers and Their Passengers Safe

Organizations like National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Governors Highway Safety Association recommend simple steps that can significantly reduce driving risks and promote responsibility among teen drivers:

Buckle Up!

Always wear a seatbelt to prevent serious injuries or deaths in the event of a crash.

Never Drive Impaired

Never drive impaired and never get in a car with an impaired driver.

Slow Down

Follow the speed limit; speeding reduces reaction time in the event of a crash.

Put the Phone Away

Never text and drive.

Practice Your Driving Skills

Practice driving in various conditions with an adult to build confidence.

Limit Distractions

Minimize passenger distractions; too many passengers can increase risky decisions.

Take the 100 Safest Days of Summer Pledge
https://www.100safestdaysofsummer.org/the-pledge

Key Statistics

·   Teen drivers were involved in 7,435 fatal crashes during summer months between 2013 and 2022.

·   Drivers ages 16-19 have nearly three times the fatal crash rate per mile driven compared to drivers ages 20 and older.

·  75% of serious teen crashes are caused by not scanning for hazards, driving too fast for conditions, or being distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle.

·   The rate of fatal nighttime crashes is 3x higher for teen drivers than adult drivers.

·  Speeding is a factor in 30% of teen-related vehicle crashes.

 

Safety Resources and Expert Guidance 

For more information on safe driving practices and helpful resources, visit these road safety organizations:

·   Families for Safe Streets

·  Gweedo Memorial Foundation

·  The National Road Safety Foundation

·  American Driver and Traffic Safety Association

·   Teen Safe Driving Coalition

·   Governors Highway Safety Association

·   Safe Roads Challenge

·  Youth Of Virginia Speak Out

 

How Can Active Intelligent Speed Assistance Help?  

For more information about what ISA is, how it works, and how it contributes to roadway safety, please visit the links below:

·   How ISA works

·   ISA for new drivers