TOLEDO, Ohio — According to AAA, we are are heading into what is typically the deadliest time of the year for teen drivers; but this year, it could be more dangerous for everyone.
Federal statistics have shown that last year, traffic deaths involving drivers of all ages reached a 16-year high.
Peliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), shows there were almost 12,000 deaths on U.S. roadways in June, July and August of last year, and more than half of those killed were someone other than the driver, including more than 1,600 pedestrians.
Early crash data suggests this year could be significantly worse, AAA representatives said.
“Speeding is up, seat belt use is down, and driver impairment and multiple other factors contributed to more than 42,000 traffic fatalities last year – an increase of more than 10% over 2020,” AAA Driver Education Manager Mike Belcuore said. “We know that fatal crashes involving teen drivers nearly double in summer months as compared to the rest of the year, but this summer, AAA is concerned that the ‘deadliest days’ may refer to increased risk for everyone.”
The folks at AAA are encouraging people think beyond the teen drivers who have traditionally increased risk on roads during the "100 deadliest days" and look at what they can do themselves to reverse the upward trend in traffic deaths.
"Teen drivers spend more time behind the wheel in summer months, and they certainly have less experience than those who have been driving for years,” Belcuore said. “But these troubling statistics indicate that whatever experience more seasoned drivers gained over time has been lost over the pandemic, with tragic outcomes.”
Ohio Travel
A recent survey by AAA found that most Ohio residents are planning a summer trip, with 42% planning more than one. The survey also found that the majority of those people will be driving to their destinations.
Drivers are reminded to do their part in keeping the roadways safe, including the observance of the state's "Move Over" law, requiring them to slow down and move over for all first responders working at the roadside.
AAA’s Seven Tips to Reduce Roadway Risks
- Slow Down – Speeding is considered to be the number one factor contributing to the increase in roadway fatalities. It was specifically identified as a contributing factor in more than 25% of all deadly crashes last summer.
- Buckle Up – Since the pandemic, there has been a sharp increase in unrestrained occupant deaths and ejections. Seat belts save lives.
- Don’t Drive Impaired – According to the NHTSA stats, alcohol was involved in about 20% of all fatal crashes in the summer months. Public health researchers indicate that fatal crashes involving cannabis are also on the rise. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or any impairing drug, including prescriptions.
- Drive Defensively – While you cannot control the behavior of others, driving defensively will increase the time you have to react to another driver out of control.
- Limit Distractions – According to NHTSA statistics, distracted driving accounts for about 8% of fatal crashes, but distracted driving, in general, is assumed to be highly underreported. Put down the phone and give your full attention to the task of driving.
- Look Out for Pedestrians and Cyclists – Pedestrian deaths jumped almost 15% from 2020 to 2021, claiming more than 7,000 lives, and the number of cyclists killed increased 5%, with almost 1,000 lives lost. Share the road.
- Talk to Your Teens and Model Best Behaviors – In Ohio, during the 10-year period between 2011-2020, more 30% of fatal crashes involving drivers ages 15-18 occurred in summer months as compared to the entire rest of the year. AAA research indicates that talking to your teens about safe driving and modeling best practices help.