If you have a teenaged driver, you're probably familiar with the worry that comes along with them hitting the road.
Those fears may be founded on certain days of the year, including Monday, July 9, one of the deadliest days for teen drivers.
July 9, is on a list of the top ten days out of the year that are deadliest for teen drivers. AAA says new information shows teens are making up a larger portion of overall driving deaths, and they want parents to be prepared. It's a part of life for many teens these days.
Akila Scott, an 18-year-old driver, shared, "I feel like everybody's driving faster in the summer because it's vacation time."
Scott has been driving for about a year now. She's one of thousands at risk as they hit the road this summer and she says she's already witnessed the dangers of being a teenaged driver.
"My friend, she's been in an accident on the highway. Well she...died in the accident."
Nationally, more than 6,000 teens are killed between Memorial and Labor Day in accidents. They happen on a top ten lists of dates but there are a number of reasons why.
"It's not only a dangerous time for teenagers to be out on the road but also a very dangerous time for all drivers because of the sheer volume of people out there," explained, John Townsend with AAA.
The dates are listed as follows:
1. July 4
2. June 10
3. May 20
4. Aug 14
5. Sept 26
6. May 23
7. Aug 8
8. July 9
9. Nov 24
10. Jan 21
They say on each of these days, more than 16 teens are killed on average.The statistics aren't surprising to Scott.
"I know my parents talk to me about it all the time. Pretty much don't text and drive because my mom works for AT&T and they have commercials from people who have died," Scott continued.
That's why AAA wants you to be aware of the risks.
"This is a wake up call, not only for parents to have that long talk with your child about driving in the summer months, but also to teach themselves about the dangers of driving in the summer months," concluded Townsend.
Also, something to keep in mind: AAA also says more than half of nighttime crashes happen between 9 PM and midnight. That figure means it may be a good idea to limit your teens' driving after dark.
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