Some of the most dangerous driving days of the year are upon us.

According to AAA, more than 7,000 people nationwide died in teen driving-related summertime crashes between 2011 and 2020. That's more than 7 people per day during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, also coined the '100 Deadliest Days of Summer.'

“The summer months are the riskiest for inexperienced teen drivers because they typically have more unstructured time behind the wheel and there are more drivers on the road,” says Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs, AAA East Central in a press release. “Although the facts are tragic, they present an opportunity to focus on and discuss what can be done to improve the safety of teenagers on the road.”

According to AAA research, new teen drivers are three times at likely as adults to be involved in a deadly crash. They also found speed and nighttime driving are significant factors in the number of crashes involving teen drivers during the '100 Deadliest Days.'

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• 36% of all motor vehicle fatalities involving teen drivers occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• Data show a 22% increase in the average number of nighttime crashes per day involving teen drivers during the 100 Deadliest Days compared to the rest of the year.
• 29% of all motor vehicle deaths involving a teen driver were speed-related

In preparation for the dangerous summer driving period, AAA encourages parents to educate their teens:

• Discuss with teens early and often the dangers of risky driving situations, such as speeding and nighttime driving.
• Discuss with teens the dangers and consequences of distracted driving (i.e., texting, having multiple people in the car, etc.)
• Teach by example and minimize any risky behavior when behind the wheel.
• Make a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules for teen drivers. Consider setting driving limits that are stronger than state laws and enforce those limits.