Crash data reveals concerning seasonal patterns as teen driving deaths continue to climb
OKLAHOMA CITY – May 27, 2025 – Across the country, 13,135 people have been killed in a crash involving a teen driver from 2019-2023. More than 30% of those deaths occurred during the ‘100 Deadliest Days’ between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to a AAA review of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). On average, 8 people are killed per day in teen-involved driving crashes in the summer, compared to 7 per day during the rest of the year.
In 2023 alone, the most recent year of complete crash data, 2,897 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving a teen driver. A third of those deaths, 860, happened during the 100 Deadliest Days.
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data of deadly crashes involving drivers ages 15-18 in Oklahoma shows the tragic impact in the summer months:
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Number of People in Oklahoma Killed in Crashes Involving a Teen Driver
Memorial Day to Labor Day vs, Rest of Year 2012-2021 |
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2012-2021 Total
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2012-2021 Yearly Average
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Memorial Day to Labor Day
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Rest of Year
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Total
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Memorial Day to Labor Day
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Rest of Year
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Total
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Oklahoma
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154
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352
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506
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15
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35
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50
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“Summer months are particularly dangerous as more young drivers hit the road during school breaks with many logging more unsupervised driving time than usual,” said Jake Nelson, Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research at AAA. “We encourage families to take advantage of AAA resources like our driver education classes and parent-teen safe driving agreements to help set clear expectations for driving privileges.”
There are steps teens and parents can take to save lives. Parents should model safe driving behavior and talk with their teens about buckling up, obeying speed limits, and putting phones away. With teens out of school, summer is also a great time for young drivers to complete a comprehensive driver education course to learn the rules of the road.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also has new research highlighting the life-saving potential of smartphone-blocking technology. Parents should encourage teens to use “do not disturb” features on their phones to silence distractions while driving.
About the AAA Foundation
Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 65.2 million members nationwide and more than 450,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
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