AAA is sounding the alarm as we head into the ‘100 Deadliest Days,’ concerned that what is typically the deadliest time of year for crashes involving teen drivers may, in fact, be deadlier this year for everyone, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Recently released federal statistics reveal that traffic fatalities involving drivers of all ages reached a 16-year high last year, increasing more than 10% over 2020, and early crash data suggests this year may be significantly worse. So, as we head into the summer months, safety messaging must be broad.

“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,” says Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “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.”

According to preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 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.

With that in mind, AAA is encouraging everyone to think beyond the teen drivers who have traditionally increased risk on our roadways during the ‘100 deadliest days’ and consider what they themselves can do to reverse the disturbing upward trend in traffic fatalities.

“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,” Noble adds, “but these troubling statistics indicate that whatever experience more seasoned drivers gained over time has been lost over the pandemic, with tragic outcomes.”

Summer Travels: Carefree but not Careless

A recent survey by AAA* found that most New Jersey residents are planning to travel this summer – with more than 35% planning multiple trips – and the great majority of them will be driving to their destinations. AAA is reminding everyone to do their part to ensure our roadways are as safe as possible.

We also remind motorists to observe the ‘Move Over’ law which requires that they slow down and move over for all first responders working at the roadside.

AAA’s Seven Tips to Reduce Roadway Risks

1. 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.
2. Buckle Up – Since the pandemic, there has been a sharp increase in unrestrained occupant deaths and ejections. Seat belts save lives. It’s that simple.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. #DontDriveIntexticated
6. 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.
7. Talk to Your Teens and Model Best Behaviors – In New Jersey, during the 10-year period between 2011-2020, almost 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.