Summer: The Deadliest Driving Season for Teens

The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day have been labeled “The 100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. The danger begins with proms and graduation parties, but the worry for parents will not end there. Summer vacation means kids driving to their jobs, to friends’ houses, to get-togethers, and more, day and night.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that car accidents are the leading cause of death for youth in America. An average of 399 teens die in traffic accidents during each of the summer months – May through August – compared to an average of 346 deaths per month during non-summer months, according to AAA.

Legislation in Action

The Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act (STAND UP) was introduced to the U.S. House and Senate in the spring of 2011. This legislation would establish minimum federal requirements for state Graduated Drivers Licensing…