CDOT urges parents to talk to teens about safe driving ahead of 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
News Release
Statewide — As families across Colorado prepare for summer break, the Colorado Department of Transportation urges parents to talk with their teenage drivers about safe driving habits — and lead by example. Not only is May National Youth Traffic Safety Month, but, last year, Colorado State Patrol reported the most at-fault crashes involving young drivers than any other month. With Memorial Day marking the start of the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer — now is an ideal time for parents to review laws and set clear driving expectations for their teens.
Nationally, teens between the ages of 16 and 19 are at the highest risk for motor vehicle crashes compared to any other age group. In fact, their fatal crash rate is nearly three times higher than drivers aged 20 and older, based on miles driven. In 2021, drivers aged 20 and younger made up just 5.1% of licensed drivers in the U.S., yet they accounted for 8.5% of all drivers in fatal crashes and 12.6% of all crashes.
Last year in Colorado, 88 drivers aged 20 or younger were killed in crashes. This number has risen 63% in the past decade. In 2023, the number of fatalities among this group hit a record high, totalling 101 deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says parents can cut their teen driver’s crash risk in half if they set driving rules and monitor them in a supportive way.
“Teen driver safety begins at an early age and at home,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “I can't promise all teens listen, but most watch and learn from their parents' behaviors. As we approach the 100 Deadliest Days on Colorado’s roads, we urge parents and caretakers to take an active role in modeling safe behaviors and talking to their teens about the risks of speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and other dangerous behaviors.”
100 Deadliest Days for Teens
The 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, referred to as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, are nationally known as the most dangerous time for drivers, especially teens. There are several reasons why teen fatalities increase during the summer:
- School is out and inexperienced teen drivers are spending more time on the road.
- Distracted driving is high among teens. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that distractions played a role in nearly 60% of moderate to severe crashes involving teen drivers. Distractions include multiple passengers, phones and eating or drinking.
- Speeding is another factor. In 2022, 35% of men and 17% of females between the ages of 15 to 20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
- Even though the national drinking age is 21, some teens still drink and drive. In 2022, 30% of young drivers 15 to 20 years old who were killed in crashes had BACs of .01 g/dL or higher.
Teens face the greatest risk of crashing during the first year of their license. One out of every five licensed 16-year-olds will be in a motor vehicle crash. To help mitigate this risk, all states have Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws specifically tailored to young drivers. These laws gradually introduce new drivers to more complex driving situations, providing them with the time and experience they need to stay safe on the road.
"As summer brings more freedom and driving opportunities for teens, it's crucial to remember the heightened risks," Colorado DMV's Driver Services Director, Ben Mitchell, said. "Colorado's GDL laws, including passenger restrictions and hands-free requirements, are there to protect our young drivers. Following these laws isn't just about avoiding a ticket; it's about preventing a crash and saving lives."
Colorado’s Graduated Driver Licensing Laws
Colorado’s GDL laws are designed to help keep drivers under 18 safe by limiting distractions and high-risk driving situations while they gain experience. These laws include:
- No passengers under the age of 21 for the first six months after getting your license, and no more than one passenger under 21 during the second six months (siblings and medical emergencies are exempt).
- No cellphone use while driving. Visit codot.gov/handsfreeco for more information on Colorado's hands-free driving law.
- Drivers and all passengers under 18 must wear a seat belt.
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by an instructor, parent or legal guardian.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Always carry proof of auto insurance.
Breaking any driving laws, including GDL restrictions, can put you at risk of losing your license or being involved in a car crash.
Since the passage of GDL laws, fatal crashes involving drivers aged 16 to 17 have declined by nearly 50% over the past 20 years. However, seat belt use remains a critical issue among teen drivers. In 2019, 45% of teen drivers who died in crashes were unbuckled. When the teen driver was unbuckled, nine out of 10 passengers who died were also not wearing their seat belts.
What Parents Can Do
As a parent or caretaker, you play a key role in shaping your teen’s driving behaviors. Self-reported surveys show that teens whose parents impose driving rules and set good examples are less likely to engage in risky driving behaviors and are involved in fewer crashes.
Establishing clear rules — no cellphones, no passengers, no speeding, no alcohol or drugs, no driving while tired and always wearing a seat belt — can save your child’s life and others. Consider creating a Parent-Teen Driving Contract to put your rules in writing and clearly set expectations and limits. Work with your teen to outline hazards to avoid and consequences for breaking rules. Keep it on the fridge and update it as your teen gains experience and more driving privileges. CDOT offers this brochure to help you get started.
According to data from the Colorado State Patrol, in May 2024, the top factors for at-fault crashes involving young drivers were:
- Distracted driving
- Lane violations (e.g., failing to stay in their lane, drifting or cutting off other vehicles)
- Following too closely
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way (e.g., not letting pedestrians cross when required, entering an intersection without waiting for a green light or stop sign)
“One of the most important things you can do as a parent is lead by example,” said Darrell Lingk, CDOT Office of Transportation Safety Director. “You are the biggest influencer in your child’s life. By practicing safe driving habits, like wearing a seat belt, staying focused on the road, following speed limits and never driving under the influence, you’ll help set the right example and reduce their risk on the road.”
As summer approaches, CDOT is working with law enforcement across Colorado to promote road safety by targeting impaired driving and enforcing seat belt laws. The Heat Is On Memorial Day Weekend DUI enforcement will take place from May 22 to 28, with increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and saturation patrols focused on removing impaired drivers from the road. Additionally, from May 12 to June 1, law enforcement will be cracking down on unbuckled drivers and passengers as part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign.
Crash Not Accident
Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying 'crash' instead of 'accident' when reporting.
