Summer Driving Dangers

A Dangerous Season for Teen Drivers 

School’s out, families are traveling, and roads are busier than ever. But along with the fun of summer comes a serious risk: more deadly crashes involving teen drivers. In the months of summer before Labor Day, there is a big jump in fatal crashes, and it’s especially dangerous for young drivers who don’t have much experience behind the wheel. 

At CoxHealth, we care about the health and safety of our community. That includes helping parents learn how to keep their teens safe on the road this summer. 

The risks of summer driving 

Between 2019 and 2023, over 13,000 people died in crashes involving teen drivers in the U.S., according to the AAA Foundation. More than 30% of these deaths happened between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During these months, an average of eight people die each day in crashes with teen drivers, compared to seven per day the rest of the year. 

Some of the reasons crashes increase in summer include: 

• More distractions from phones, passengers, GPS, and music controls. According to the AAA Foundation for Safety, distraction plays a role in nearly six out of 10 teen crashes.
• More alcohol and impaired driving during parties and holidays. In 2022, 30 percent of young drivers killed in U.S. were under the influence of alcohol.
• An increase in traffic risks. During the summer, there are more people on the road in addition to more pedestrians, bikers, skateboarders, as well as congestion related to summer construction.  

Tips for Parents of Teen Drivers 

While these numbers are scary, the good news is that parents can make a big difference. Teens with parents who stay involved are much more likely to be safe, responsible drivers. 

Set clear rules 

Have regular conversations with your teenager and discuss your expectations for safe driving—including the consequences of unsafe driving. You can even create a simple agreement with rules like: 

• No texting or using the phone while driving
• No passengers for new drivers
• No driving after dark
• Always wear a seatbelt
• Never drive under the influence
• Do not drive tired or unwell 

Let your child know they can call you anytime they are at risk and that you will provide safe transportation. 

Watch driving habits 

Many cars or phones have built-in tools or apps to help you track your teen’s speed, location, and phone use. Giving regular feedback helps teens build good habits. Learn more about monitoring tools at the National Road Safety Foundation. 

Safe Driving Starts Now 

It’s never too early, or too late, to teach safe driving. Be a good role model, supervise practice drives, and remind your teen that driving is a privilege that comes with responsibility. 

When parents take action, we can help lower the risk of crashes during summer. Let’s work together to keep our teens, and everyone on the road, safe. 

If you’d like to talk to a provider, trauma expert, or connect with more teen driving resources, CoxHealth is here for you. Visit our Safety and Injury Prevention resources  for teen drivers or ask your provider how you can keep your family safe the rest of this summer.