Summer Brings a 20 Percent Increase in Teen Traffic Deaths, Averaging 7 Every Day

Strategic Insights -

During the summer months, teenage traffic fatalities increase by about 20 percent, resulting in seven deaths every day on America's roads and highways. This alarming trend is a major concern for organizations promoting road safety, such as the National Road Safety Foundation and Impact Teen Drivers. Driver distraction is a significant factor in teen crashes, accounting for 25 to 30 percent of all fatalities, leading to thousands of deaths and over 289,000 serious injuries annually. The risk of distraction is particularly high for teen drivers, and it is essential for parents to talk to their teen drivers about the dangers of distraction while driving.

Key Takeaways:

  • Teen traffic fatalities increase by about 20 percent during the summer months, with seven deaths occurring every day.
  • Driver distraction is a significant factor in teen crashes, accounting for 25 to 30 percent of all fatalities, resulting in thousands of deaths and over 289,000 serious injuries annually.
  • The risk of distraction is particularly high for teen drivers, making it essential for parents to educate them about the dangers of distraction while driving.
  • Talking and texting on cell phones are the most talked-about causes of driver distraction, while other things like tuning the radio, adjusting the GPS, eating or drinking, and even talking to passengers can also be distracting.
  • Passengers can play a significant role in reducing the number of distracted driving crashes by speaking up if they're in a vehicle being driven by someone who is distracted or driving dangerously.
  • A survey revealed that more than three-quarters of drivers use their cellphone while driving, with over half saying they read texts or emails while driving and 27 percent checking social media.
  • A new website covers various traffic safety issues affecting teens, providing parents with materials to engage their young drivers about road safety.
  • The National Road Safety Foundation is partnering with multiple traffic safety advocacy groups to raise awareness about teen driving risks during the summer months.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported a decrease of four percent in traffic fatalities last year, from 39,354 to 39,400, a four percent decrease, and a 16-year low despite the summer months being a peak time for teen traffic fatalities.

Statistics:

  • 20 percent increase in teen traffic fatalities during the summer months
  • 7 deaths every day, occurring among teenagers on America's roads and highways
  • 25 to 30 percent of all fatalities attributed to driver distraction
  • 289,000+ serious injuries annually due to distracted driving
  • Over three-quarters of drivers use their cellphone while driving
  • More than half of drivers read texts or emails while driving
  • 27 percent of drivers check social media while driving
  • 19 percent of drivers admitted to shopping online while behind the wheel
  • 39,354 fatalities in traffic crashes last year, a 4 percent decrease from the previous year

Sources:

  • National Road Safety Foundation
  • Impact Teen Drivers
  • SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
  • We Save Lives
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  • The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF)
  • (Governors Highway Safety Association)
  • ADTSEA (American Driver & Traffic Safety Education Association)
  • In One Instant
  • D.C. Office of Highway Safety
  • Kids and Car Safety
  • Safe Kids Worldwide
  • California Highway Patrol (CHP)