June 13, 2011
By: Bruce Berry
A study by AAA Michigan reports the summer is often a busy time of year for teen-related auto insurance claims, with a high number of auto fatalities occurring when school is not in session.
The agency reports seven of the 10 deadliest days for teen auto crashes occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Between 2005 and 2009, more than 7,300 motorists age 13 to 19 were killed in auto accidents during that time of year, and an average of 422 teens are killed in summer traffic accidents each month in the summer. That's compared to an average 363 deaths for every non-summer month.
"Life feels more care-free when school's out and teens have more opportunities to drive or ride in cars late at night with other teens - a deadly mix," said Jack Peet, AAA Michigan Traffic Safety Manager. "With the majority of the most dangerous days falling during the traditional summer vacation months, parents must realize that there is no summer break from safety and be vigilant about remaining involved and enforcing rules with their teens."
States have taken steps to curb fatalities, with Michigan adopting new guidelines that limit to one the number of under-21 non-family passengers a new teen motorist can have in their car. Michigan teens are also no longer allowed to drive past 10 p.m. or before 5 a.m. unless heading to or from work.
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