Fatal Teen Driver Traffic Crashes Spike in the Summer

For many teenagers, summertime brings fun, festivities and free time with friends. But as more teens take to the roads during summer break, the risk of teen driver traffic crashes increases. The ‘100 Deadliest Days’ is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes involving teen drivers are the highest. 

Nationally, 7,193 teen drivers (age 15-19) were killed in crashes from 2019 to 2023, with over 31% of those fatalities occurring from Memorial Day to Labor Day, according to a AAA Northeast analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data. The number of teen drivers killed during the ‘100 Deadliest Days’ in 2023 is almost 35% higher than in 2019 pre-pandemic.  

In Connecticut, there were 106 fatal crashes involving teen drivers (age 15-19) from 2020 to 2023, with over 38% of those crashes occurring from Memorial Day to Labor Day, according to data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. A total of 23 teen drivers were killed over the ‘100 Deadliest Days’ during that period.

“Every summer, we see a heartbreaking rise in preventable deaths on our roads caused by speeding, impairment, distraction, and reckless choices,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “As we enter the 100 deadliest days, we need every driver to take responsibility. Safe driving isn’t optional – it’s a shared duty that saves lives.

"As the roads become more dangerous over the summer, we want to ensure everyone gets to and from their destinations safely,” said Lauren Fabrizi, spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “We encourage parents to model safe driving behaviors and remind their teens that reckless driving puts everyone on the road at risk. We urge all drivers to make smart decisions behind the wheel – because one bad decision can be life-altering.”

“While we may be approaching consistent warm weather and carefree days for most teenagers, this time of the year is an especially dangerous time to drive,” said Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Tony Guerrera. “In Connecticut, we have passenger restriction and nighttime driving curfew laws to help keep our youngest and most inexperienced drivers safe. This also requires parents to be engaged with their teen’s activities to ensure these rules are followed.”

“At every chance we get – and I mean parents, police, friends, and family – we need to remind young people about how dangerous driving can be,” said Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. “When you hand over the car keys or fob, make it a big deal. Every time.”

Here are safety tips for teen drivers:

• Ditch the Distractions: AAA research shows talking or interacting with passengers is the most common distracting behavior in teen driver crashes followed by cellphone use. 

• Slow Down: Faster speeds rob drivers of the extra reaction time needed to avoid a crash. Inexperience behind the wheel makes speeding especially dangerous for young drivers. 

• Buckle Up: Wearing a seatbelt is the most effective way to prevent serious injuries or death in the event of a crash. NHTSA data shows seat belt use is the lowest among teens and young adults. Remember to buckle up and ask your passengers to do the same.