Halfway through the 100 deadliest days: Are summer roads getting safer?
THOUSAND PALMS, CALIF. (KESQ)- We are now halfway through the 100 deadliest days of summer, that is the dangerous period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal traffic crashes.
CHP says crashes have not increased compared to previous years, and we’re looking at what that means as we head into the second half of the summer.
Key Risk Factors
Inexperience: Teen drivers are 3 times more likely to be in a fatal crash than older drivers. Distractions: Cell phones/multiple teen passengers in the car heavily raise the risk. Risky Behavior: Speeding, driving late at night, and failing to use seat belts. Impairment: Summer parties increase instances of driving under the influence.
Anlleyn Venegas, Senior public affairs specialist, AAA says, “We are asking all drivers, especially teens, to commit to these four simple actions. Put the phone away and avoid distractions at all times. Obey speed limits. Always wear a seatbelt and never drive impaired.”
AAA says that more than 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers happen during the summer.
Brian Schmidt, Morongo CHP says “I don’t think we’ve had any significant increase in injury or fatality crashes over the summer as compared to last year.”
CHP says drivers should still avoid distractions behind the wheel.
Click here to follow the original article.