Although summer is a fun and exciting time for many families and teens, it also marks a time that brings great risk for teenagers. The 100 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day have been called the ‘100 deadliest days of summer’ because they have the highest rate of car accidents and fatalities for teen drivers. According to the CDC, teenage drivers between the ages of 16-19 are 3 times as likely to be involved in a fatal car crash. In 2020, 2,800 US teens between 13-19 were killed and over 227,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes. Several factors increase the risk for teen drivers including
o School is out and teens are spending more time driving
o Teen drivers are inexperienced
o Teen drivers are easily distracted by other passengers, phones, and eating/drinking. Approximately 60% of crashes involve distracted driving
o Speeding is another risk factor in fatal car crashes. In teens between 15-20, 35% of men and 17% of women who were involved in fatal car crashes were speeding.
o Although the legal age for drinking alcohol is 21, in 2022 30% of young drivers who were killed had blood alcohol levels of .01 g/dL or higher.
The Graduated Driver’s License program was developed in 2009 in an effort to keep Arkansas teens safe. National studies have shown a significant reduction in teen fatalities with the implementation of the three levels of licenses
License Type | Age | Restrictions |
Learners | 14-15 | Must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older. Cell phone use is prohibited for any reason except in an emergency. |
Intermediate | 16-17 | Can not drive between 11pm-4am unless driving to and from school activities, church-related activities, or job. Can only have 1 unrelated minor as a passenger. Cell phone use is prohibited except in an emergency. |
Unrestricted/regular | 18 | Must have a clean driving record for the previous year. |
ShaRhonda Love, the Community Health and Safety Director at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, says despite these changes teen car crashes and fatalities are continuing to rise in Arkansas. Arkansas ranks 7th out of the top 10 states with the highest teen motor vehicle fatality rate. Between 2012-2021 692 Arkansas teens have lost their life in car crashes with the vast majority being young men (67%). ShaRhonda and her colleagues continue to work with the state legislature, Highway Safety Office, Department of Motor Vehicles, and local schools to develop policies and promote safe driving initiatives.
ShaRhonda says parents play a vital role in keeping teens safe. Teens need guardians to set a good example, be familiar with laws and regulations, and enforce safe driving habits. Creating a teen driving contract with your child, including expectations and consequences that are mutually agreed upon, increases the chance that they will practice safe driving habits and significantly decrease their risk of fatal motor vehicle collision (you can find examples of teen driving contracts here).
Safe Driving Tips for Teens
Þ Always wear your seatbelt-According to the CDC, seat belt use can reduce the risk of death by 45% and cut the risk of serious injury by 50%
Þ Follow the speed limit/all road signs and traffic signals
Þ Don’t drink and drive. EVER
Þ Get plenty of rest-Drowsy driving is responsible for approximately 100,000 accidents causing over 50,000 injuries.
Þ Minimize distractions and focus on the road
Tackle this risk with your teenager and develop a plan. Utilizing apps and safety features on your vehicle, taking a defensive driving course, and implementing the above safety practices can decrease the risk of injury or death. Let’s team up to ensure Arkansas teens make it home safely!
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