AAA East Central is advising parents to model safe driving practices and talk to their teen drivers about their driving habits as the deadliest season of the year for teen drivers begins.

The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to a release from AAA, are the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers in the US.

According to AAA, 7 people died every day in accidents involving teen drivers during this time of year between 2011 and 2020. 

"Now that students are out of school, teens will spend more time on the road, often driving with friends at odd hours of the day and night. Because of their inexperience, teen drivers often engage in unsafe behaviors like speeding and distracted driving," says Theresa Podguski, the director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central. 

Because of the increased risk, AAA encourages parents to talk to their teen drivers about proper road safety practices, and model those safe practices for their teen drivers while behind the wheel themselves:

"In preparation for the dangerous summer driving period, AAA encourages parents to educate their teens and themselves about risky driving behavior. Parents should:

• 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.)
• Stress the importance of buckling up. According to NHTSA, more than 50 percent of teen drivers who died in 2020 were not wearing seat belts.
• 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."