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'100 deadliest days of summer' begins Memorial Day

Teens may be behind the wheel for the first time and therefore are at greater risk of getting into fatal crashes.

TOLEDO, Ohio — The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 deadliest days of summer.

Teens may be behind the wheel for the first time and are at greater risk of getting into crashes. The last decade of AAA crash data shows deadly crashes for teens increase during the summertime.

Their data finds for every mile driven, new teen drivers ages 16 to 17 are three times more likely to be in a deadly crash compared to adults.

"They're getting behind the wheel, they're going out more," said Nicole Knepper, trauma & burn prevention coordinator for Mercy Health. "They not only are distracted by a cell phone, but friends in the car, music, eating. All of those things can distract us and cause injury."

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be more visible on the roadways this Memorial Day as they typically are for holidays.

"We want to make sure regardless of what people are doing, they're out and having a good time and get to places as safe as possible," said Lt. Shaun Robinson, OSHP Toledo Post spokesman. "That means be a defensive driver and put your seatbelt on. If you're impaired or had too much to drink, you have a designated driver. You have an alternative means so you don't get behind the wheel of the car."

AAA said parents are the best line of defense to keep everyone safe behind the wheel. Educate teens on the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and the impairing effects of alcohol and marijuana. Last but not least, be a good role model yourself. 

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