Guest Column: What every teenager and parent should know about the ‘100 Deadliest Days’ of summer
For teenagers, summer often means time with friends, beach trips and a well-earned break from school. But it also brings increased risk. Automobile accidents remain one of the leading causes of death among teens in the United States-a tragedy that is often preventable through greater awareness and safer driving habits.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, teens are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash during the summer months. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day has come to be known as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teens,” a critical time to emphasize increased awareness behind the wheel.
Increasing awareness on roadways for drivers and pedestrians
Research from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia highlights that 75% of serious crashes involving teen drivers result from just three critical errors:
1. Lack of scanning: Inexperienced drivers are slower to detect and react to potential hazards.
2. Speeding: Driving too fast for road or weather conditions is a common mistake.
3. Distractions: Teen drivers are often distracted by passengers, cell phones, or multitasking at the wheel.
Common crash scenarios for teens include left-hand turns, rear-end collisions and running off the road. Over 60% of pediatric spinal fractures in children aged 15-17 years old are from motor vehicle crashes, according to CHOP. Additionally, two-thirds of those injuries occurred when seat belts were not used.
In Florida, teen crash fatalities tend to peak in October, November and March-months that coincide with school events like homecoming, prom and holiday breaks.
While the 100 Deadliest Days are nationally recognized during summer, dangerous driving behavior persists throughout the year. It’s important to stay vigilant and aware throughout the year.
Crashes are predictable and preventable
Most of these incidents can be prevented with better awareness and safety practices.
Here are some tried and true ways to protect yourself and those around you:
• Always wear your seat belt-every trip, every time.
• Limit the number of passengers in your car.
• Follow the speed limit and adjust for weather or road conditions.
• Keep your eyes on the road and scan ahead for hazards.
• Pay close attention to traffic signs and signals.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Get enough rest to avoid drowsy driving.
• Stay focused-avoid using phones, eating or other distractions.
• Talk regularly with your teens about safe driving habits.
• Lead by example-practice the safe driving behaviors you want them to follow.
• Enroll your teenager in a defensive driving course to reinforce safe driving techniques.
The goal is for the 100 Deadliest Days not to live up to their name. With increased awareness, education, and proactive mentoring, we can work to reverse the trend and make the roads safer for our teens, not just during summer, but all year long.
With these tips and greater awareness across the Southwest Florida community, we can help ensure our teenagers enjoy the summer they’ve imagined-filled with safe travels, lasting friendships, and meaningful experiences.
For additional information, please visit the Lee Health website at www.leehealth.org.
Tracey Thornton is Injury Prevention Educator with the Lee Health Trauma Center. For more about the Trauma Center, visit https://www.leehealth.org/our-servicestrauma