Decatur, IL (WAND) – As summer begins and students leave for break, more teenagers are on the roads. This time period is known as the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers.
Experts are urging families to be aware of the increased risks for young drivers during the summer months.
According to AAA statistics, nearly one-third of all teen driving deaths in 2024 occurred between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Molly Hart with AAA said a lack of experience plays a big role.
“They’re inexperienced drivers and that needs to be taken into consideration,” Hart said.
She also said their crash risk is much higher than adults.
“For every mile driven by a teenager, they are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash than an adult,” she said.
Tammy Gweedo McGee lost her son in a car crash nearly seven years ago. Since then, she has dedicated herself to educating parents and teens about safe driving habits and the dangers young drivers can face.
She hopes her family’s experience can help prevent similar tragedies for others.
“[You think] ‘It’ll never happen to me.’ But here I am telling you don’t be that person. Don’t be naive and think that this isn’t going to happen to you. We lose seven teenagers per day in this country to driving. The most dangerous thing you do every day is drive,” McGee said
McGee said distractions inside the vehicle are one of the biggest threats to teen drivers.
“Just slowing down, buckling up, putting that phone away, limiting the number of distractions in the vehicle, limiting the number of passengers in the vehicle, but most importantly, realizing that this can happen to you and we don’t want it to.”
In addition to encouraging seat belt use and minimizing distractions, McGee advocates for parents to use tracking applications that can monitor their teen’s driving behavior, including speed.
Tammy shared multiple resources that can be helpful for parents and teens:
ConnerGweedo.com – Tammy’s Memorial Foundation for her son
Ifyouseesomethingsaysomething.org – Anonymous teen reporting site
National Road Safety Foundation – has more tips for parents with teen drivers
