With the school year just about in the rear-view mirror and freedom at their fingertips, what experts call the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers has commenced.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, an average of seven people are killed per day in teen driver-related crashes, according to AAA. Nationwide, 31% of deaths involving teen drivers take place over the 100-day span. According to AAA, there are 2,341 deaths per year connected to teen crashes, with 732 coming in the aforementioned window.

“Summer is historically a dangerous time for teen drivers,” stated AAA spokesperson, Mark Jenkins. “Now that school is out, teens will spend more time on the road, often driving with friends at odd hours of the day and night. Because of their inexperience, teens are more susceptible to dangerous driving behaviors — like speeding, driving distracted, and not wearing a safety belt. AAA urges parents to model safe driving behavior and reinforce safe driving habits with their teen drivers to help keep them safe this summer.”

AAA officials say traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens 16 to 19. For every mile driven, new teen drivers (16-17) are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash compared to adults, AAA said.

In Florida, AAA said on average, 153 teen drivers are involved in fatal crashes each year, with 40 (26%) occurring during the 100 Deadliest Days.

AAA officials said understanding the risks and knowing the facts will prepare teens for the road ahead.

Risks factors for teen drivers include:

• Distracted driving: Distraction plays a role in nearly six out of 10 teen crashes. Electronics like cell phones and in-vehicle infotainment systems are considered the second-biggest distraction to teen drivers. The biggest distraction is teen passengers.

• Driving with teen passengers. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash increases in direct relation to the number of teenagers in a car (NHTSA). Having other passengers in the car can contribute to peer pressure and the impulse to engage in dangerous habits like speeding and aggressive driving.

• Speeding. Speeding is a factor in nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers.

• Not wearing a safety belt. Teens who buckle up significantly reduce their risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash.

Director of Driver Education Programs for AAA, Rachel Wilson, stated, “The single most important thing parents can do to help their teens become safe drivers is to be involved in their ‘learning to drive’ process. Spend time coaching your teen while they’re behind the wheel and have a serious discussion about safety. While parents can be a great teacher, it also helps to seek out professional training courses, like those provided by AAA.”

The School District of Lee County offers classes.

“Both off and on campus, the safety of our students is our highest priority. We offer Drivers Ed classes at our high schools during the school year and summer so students learn in the classroom and on the road how to drive safely. We also partner with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and other community based agencies to provide educational opportunities for our students to improve their skills and understand the consequences of impaired driving.”

At a news conference with the Florida Department of Transportation in Gainesville this past week, Attorney General Ashley Moody urged parents and guardians to play an active role in safeguarding their teens and equipping them with the necessary tools for responsible driving.

“As parents, we worry about our children’s safety,” Moody said. “Our kids face many dangers, but one of the scariest things they do is get behind the wheel. The 100 Deadliest Days pose a significant risk to teenaged drivers and all those who share the road with them. That’s why I am encouraging parents to talk with their teens about safe driving habits and join us in this vital effort to protect our roadways and safe lives.”

AAA’s “How to Drive Online” course provides a foundation of the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce a teen’s risk behind the wheel. For more teen driver safety tips and to register for AAA’s online driving course, visit www.aaadriverprogram.com.