The 100 deadliest days, the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, have started. With school ending for summer break, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Watch UR BAC are reminding parents and all other drivers to teach and model good driving behavior as summer marks the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers.

According to Ravonne McCray, program manager for Watch UR BAC, traffic crashes and fatalities increase dramatically during the summertime. Reckless behavior, due to inexperience, and more free time, contributes to this increase.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the main factors contributing to fatal teen crashes during this time are speeding (28%), drinking and driving (17%), and distraction (9%). Parents must be good role models and reinforce safe driving habits to keep their teen drivers as safe as possible.

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed the following:

• 36 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities involving teen drivers occurred between 9:00

p.m. and 5:00 a.m;

• Data shows a 22 percent increase in the average number of nighttime crashes per day involving teen drivers during the 100 Deadliest Days compared to the rest of the year;

• 30 percent of all motor vehicle deaths involving a teen driver were speed related.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent, Courtney Parrott, reminds parents to take time to educate teen drivers on risky behaviors. Set rules for safe driving, such as driving the speed limit, buckling up, not having too many passengers; not to be distracted while driving using a cell phone or other distractions and never drive impaired.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Watch UR BAC want to encourage all drivers to do their part to make safe driving a priority and work toward ZERO deaths and helping to End the Streak in Texas. Let’s work together on changing driving behaviors so you are not one of the statistics of the 100 deadliest days of summer. Remember to: Buckle Up, Drive Alert, Drive Sober, Don’t Speed, and Stay Focused!

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC program is funded by TxDOT and is provided at no charge to promote alcohol awareness, the dangers of impaired driving and friends watching out for friends.