More teen drivers die in Florida during the summer. AAA experts explain why and how to avoid danger

If you are a teen driver in Florida, or anywhere for that matter, the summer months are dangerous and historically they're also deadly.

AAA, also known as the American Automobile Association, wants teen drivers and their parents to know that Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and a dangerous time of year for young drivers. Nationwide, more than 30 percent of deaths involving teen drivers occur during what’s called the “100 Deadliest Days” – a period that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Why is summer more dangerous for teenage drivers?

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: “Summer is historically a dangerous time for teen drivers,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Now that school is out, teens will spend more time on the road, often driving with friends at odd hours of the day and night. Because of their inexperience, teens are more susceptible to dangerous driving behaviors – like speeding, driving distracted, and not wearing a safety belt. AAA urges parents to model safe driving behavior and reinforce safe driving habits with their teen drivers to help keep them safe this summer.”

What the law says about hazard lights: Rainy season reminder: Is it legal to drive with hazard lights flashing in Florida?

What are fatal crash statistics for teen drivers in Florida?

WHAT THE DATA REVEALS:

• On average, 153 teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes, each year.

  • 40 (26%) of those occur during the 100 Deadliest Days.

• These crashes result in an average of 169 deaths per year.

  • 44 (26%) of those fatalities occur during the 100 Deadliest Days.

What are fatal crash statistics for teen drivers in the US?

• An average of 2,108 teens are involved in deadly crashes, every year.

  • 660 (31%) of those occur during the 100 Deadliest Days.

• These crashes result in an average of 2,341 deaths per year.

  • 732 of those fatalities occur during the 100 Deadliest Days.

What are common risk factors for teen drivers in Florida?

• Distracted driving. Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of ten teen crashes. Electronics like cell phones and in-vehicle infotainment systems are considered the second-biggest distraction to teen drivers. The biggest distractions are teen passengers.

• Driving with teen passengers. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash increases in direct relation to the number of teenagers in a car (NHTSA). Having other passengers in the car can contribute to peer pressure and the impulse to engage in dangerous habits like speeding and aggressive driving.

• Speeding. Speeding is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.

• Not wearing a safety belt. Teens who buckle up significantly reduce their risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash.

What is AAA's advice for parents of teen drivers?

• Lead by example. Minimize risky behavior when you drive. Don’t drive aggressively, avoid distractions, and always wear your seatbelt. Your driving skills and judgment behind the wheel shape your child’s view of safe driving habits, even before they’re old enough to drive. Make safe driving a priority in your own life.

• Conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving. Let your teen drive in a variety of conditions including inclement weather, busy interstates, and at night. This will help them become a more confident driver in imperfect situations.

• Teach defensive driving skills. Help your teen anticipate potential risks by constantly scanning the road for hazards. Then share advice for how to safely avoid them.

• Establish a parent-teen driving agreement which sets family rules like when the teen can drive, where they can go and with who. Then clearly outline the consequences for breaking the rules and rewards for driving safe. Click here to download the parent-teen agreement.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: AAA driving statistics for teens show summer is dangerous in Florida