According to AAA Summer is the most dangerous season for teen drivers
The American Automobile Association says starting from Memorial Day until Labor Day are the 100 most deadliest days
Our Zac Kaye talked with local experts and law enforcement about how to make sure you stay safe on the roads. He joins us live now with more
One driving instructor from the State College Area School District says teen drivers have a lot more free time in the Summer, which leaves more opportunity for an accident to occur, especially if they aren’t careful.
According to AAA, drivers ages 16 and 17 are three times as likely to get into a deadly crash. They refer to Memorial Day until Labor Day as the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers, with more than 7,000 dying during that time during the 2010’s.
“They’re in that Summer mode, where they’re not as busy so they’re probably more prone to distractions like playing loud music and then, of course, it’s the high travel, peak travel season as well, so there’s just a lot more people on the road.”
Wilson is an English Teacher at State College High School and has been instructing Driver’s Education for the last nine years. She says students who complete their in car curriculum, where she rides with the new driver have significantly lower odds of getting into a crash or receiving a citation.
“They understand all those things when they’re actually doing it. Driving is a multitasking activity, and students are not good at multitasking, so students really have to learn how to incorporate all aspects of driving.”
Wilson says that many people worry about driving in the snow or on ice, but not about driving in the rain, which can be just as dangerous.
Ferguson Township Police Officer Travis Park says it’s important for new drivers to stay focused and off their phones, especially when the conditions aren’t ideal.
“If something happens ultimately you are the driver, you’re responsible for everyone in that car, you’re responsible for everything around the car, and if you’re not paying attention and you end up
getting in a crash, it could cause major injuries and ultimately you are the one responsible.”
