By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — AAA is concerned about teen drivers as summertime gets underway.
"The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "It's a particularly dangerous time as more teen drivers are out on the roads. This year's a little bit different, but we sort of throw in a different nuance with COVID-19. People haven't been out driving as much, so their driving skills, both teens and adults may be a little rusty. Then, you couple that with driver's ed classes being cancelled in many places. There could be some extra dangers on the road this summer."
In Kansas, 117 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers in the past ten years during the “100 Deadliest Days.”
"Two of the biggest factors with the dangers of teens on the roads is inexperience and then risky behaviors," Steward said. "Things like speeding, texting and driving, aggressive driving, driving without a seatbelt, things like that."
About 72% of teen drivers aged 16-18 admitted to having engaged in at least one risky behavior in the past 30 days.
"We think parents need to take an active role," Steward said. "We suggest that parents talk with their teens regularly about dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment, distracted driving, but we also recommend that parents set a good example for their kids."
AAA recommends that parents conduct at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving with their teen.