Teenage drivers are more likely to be out on New Jersey’s roads during the summer months, and this means increased threats for everyone who shares the road with them. The span between Memorial Day and Labor Day has become such a hazardous time to be traveling by car that many now refer to it as summer’s “100 Deadliest Days.”
Per 94.3 The Point, the 100 Deadliest Days span comprises about a quarter of the full year. Yet, 29% of fatal crashes involving teenage drivers take place during this time.
100 Deadliest Day statistics
Research shows that teen motorists who are 16 and 17 are three times as likely to find themselves involved in a fatal car crash as adult drivers. Also, about three-quarters of teen drivers ages 16 to 18 acknowledge that they engage in some kind of dangerous driving behavior, whether It be speeding, driving under the influence or something else.
100 Deadliest Day driving behaviors
Speeding is one of the most common dangerous driving behaviors among teenagers. It is also a major crash contributor to fatal and nonfatal car wrecks involving drivers within this age group. Almost half of all teen drivers report speeding through residential areas. Meanwhile, about 40% of teen motorists acknowledge speeding on highways. Alcohol abuse and driver distraction are also common teen driver-involved crash contributors, with teenage passengers serving as a frequent source of distraction for young drivers.
New Jersey parents of teenage drivers may want to confer with their children about their expectations with regard to who their teens may drive with and when.