By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The summer driving season is particularly dangerous for young drivers.
"The 100 Deadliest Days is what we refer to as the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Nationwide, more than 7000 people died in crashes involving teen drivers from 2010 to 2019 through that 100 Deadliest Days period."
That's more than seven people per day through the summer, up from six people per day the rest of the year.
"There is a marked increase in crashes and fatalities, especially with teen drivers during the summer," Steward said. "Here in Kansas, there were 114 people killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the 100 Deadliest Days from 2010 through 2019."
Parents need to talk to their teens about safe driving behaviors if they will be on the road.
"Make sure that they are avoiding dangerous behaviors," Steward said. "Speeding is a big one. Obviously, distracted driving is always a factor. Texting, distraction with other passengers in the vehicle, aggressive driving and especially driving without a seatbelt."
In a AAA Foundation survey, about 72% of teen drivers aged 16-18 admitted to having engaged in at least one risky behavior in the past 30 days.