Authorities warn teen drivers as Kentucky enters 100 deadliest days of summer
Memorial Day weekend begins a dangerous period for teen drivers marked by a sharp rise in fatal crashes.
AAA projects that 45 million Americans traveled for Memorial Day weekend, setting a new record despite higher fuel costs.
"Demand for travel is strong. It's been growing consistently every year since we got out of the pandemic, and this year's numbers are 2% higher than last year," said Lynda Lambert, AAA spokesperson.
Driving is the most popular way to travel during the holiday, with Monday expected to be the busiest day as travelers return home.
Lambert advised drivers to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary stops and ensure their vehicles are in proper working condition.
"Take it to a trusted auto repair facility and have everything checked," she said.
Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer and the beginning of the 100 deadliest days of summer, a term coined by traffic safety experts to highlight the dangers for teen drivers during this time.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, deadly crashes involving teenagers see a significant spike.
Kentucky leads the nation in teenage driving fatalities, with data showing that over the past three years, teen drivers in the state accounted for 48,000 crashes, resulting in 13,000 injuries and more than 200 deaths. Officials attribute the primary causes to distracted driving, low seatbelt usage, and impaired driving.
"Things happen, bad things happen, and as much as we want to think about summer as a fun and exciting time, it can be as long as we do so safely," said Alex Otte, regional director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Otte, who survived being hit by an impaired boater, now advocates for prevention and protection as the organization launches its Safe Summer campaign.
"When they are going out on the lake in a boat or riding ATVs or any of those kinds of things, think about the fact that when you consume an impairing substance, it is still impairing regardless of the mode of transportation that you are in. So, make those right choices," Otte said.
Officials also urge parents and guardians of teen drivers to talk to them about rules and responsibilities, set consequences, and lead by example to ensure safety during the summer months.
