TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Ahead of the potentially record-setting 2.5 million Floridians traveling for Memorial Day weekend, Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging teen drivers to be safe on the road. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, known as the 100 Deadly Days of Summer, is one of the most dangerous for motorists. On average, seven people died per day nationwide from accidents involving teen drivers during this time period.
Standing with Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving Program Manager Sharon Hall, Attorney General Moody encouraged parents to talk to teens about safe driving habits.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The summer travel season begins this weekend, and so does heightened risks on our nation’s roadways. Ahead of what is expected to be a record-breaking Memorial Day travel weekend, I am asking Floridians to exercise caution, be patient and avoid distractions behind the wheel. Florida lost 83 travelers in car crashes last year between Memorial Day and Labor Day. By teaming up with FHP, FDOT and MADD, and warning teen drivers now, we are hoping that we can prevent fatal crashes this summer.”
Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze said, “The 100 Days of Summer is a period that teens look forward to each year as they return home from college or make plans with friends and family while school is out. While enjoying the summer months and all Florida offers, teen and inexperienced drivers should take precautions to ensure they and their vehicles are prepared for the road. Remember always to practice safe driving and drive responsibly to Arrive Alive.”
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue said, “Summer is a time for families to have more time to spend together, take a break from regular routines and get out to enjoy everything Florida has to offer; but unfortunately it can also be dangerous on the roads. In 2023 there were 83 fatalities from crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day. As FDOT Secretary but more importantly as a father of teen drivers this issue is very personal to me. I’m grateful for Attorney General Moody’s and Governor DeSantis’ recognition of the 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers. Remember put away your phone while you’re driving obey traffic laws never drive impaired together we can keep our roads safe make sure everyone gets home safely.”
Ahead of the 100 Deadly Days of Summer, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is releasing a new Arrive Alive Crash Dashboard with updated statistics on the sharp increase in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. The dashboard shows that in the 100 Deadly Days of 2023 teens were involved in nearly 20,000 crashes leading to six fatalities per week.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), traffic crashes are among the leading causes of death for teens ages 16-19. Teen drivers are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 or older to be killed in a crash per mile driven.
According to AAA a total of 21,461 fatal crashes involving teens occurred in the U.S between 2013-2022—and 31% happened between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Attorney General Moody issued safety tips for parents:
- Have frequent conversations with teens about safe driving.
- Set a good example while driving.
- Establish clear rules including curfew limiting passengers restricting cellphone use.
- Emphasize seat belt usage.
- Consider enrolling teens in comprehensive driver education programs.
More information about staying safe during the 100 Deadly Days of Summer can be found on FLHSMV's Arrive Alive Crash Dashboard.
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