LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Over the past five years, nearly 3,500 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days”, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
But, that’s not the only statistic AAA found in their research about the “100 Deadliest Days”. The organization found the average number of deaths from crashes involving teen drivers ages 15-18 was 17 percent higher per day compared to other days of the year.
“It’s one of those things that as a parent, you have to trust and let go,” said Ann Redmond.
Redmond’s household in Louisville currently has two teen drivers. There’s 18-year-old Zack Manning and 16-year-old Sammy Manning.
“Whenever you’re younger, you really look forward to driving,” said Sammy Manning. “But, when you are actually driving, you don’t realize how big of a responsibility that is until you’re put in that position.”
“It’s a huge responsibility because you’re putting your life and other people’s lives in your hands,” said Zack Manning.
Speeding, drinking and driving, and distracted driving are among the top killers on the roadways. But, it’s not all on teen drivers.
AAA research found nearly two-thirds of people hurt or killed in a crash involving a teen driver are people other than the teen behind the wheel.
“Everyone has to slow down, we’re all guilty of it,” said Redmond. “No place is that important where you can’t take a few minutes to be safe.”
The roadways can be a scary place when drivers don’t take the proper precautions.
“Every time you get in the car and leave the house, you need to always think you could have a car crash,” said Sharon Rengers, R.N. with Norton Children’s Prevention and Wellness.
Rengers said it is a good idea for parents and their drivers to create a parent-teen driving contract that sets family rules for teen drivers.
The Manning kids learned plenty of safety tips from their mother. They hope other teens listen to their parents when it comes to the rules of the road.
“Your parents are not trying to be all up in your business. They’re saying it and setting guidelines because they care about you and want to be safe.”