23-05-2025
Officials remind drivers — especially teens — to exercise caution during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — As the temperature rises, so too do the accidents. The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer are coming. Is your teen ready?
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers, according to Centers for Disease Control. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates more than 2,500 teens — aged 15 to 18 — were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2023.
The administration also says nearly half of those deaths happened during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekends.
'Once they're out of school, you've got teens that are going to want to venture out, go to the beaches, go to amusement parks, go have a lot of fun,' said Officer DC Williams with the California Highway Patrol. 'And you get a lot of those teens that aren't experienced drivers that are driving over a long distance, or at times even a short distance.'
The dangers aren't just limited to teens or the time of year. Amber Morales with Mothers Against Drunk Driving knows that all too well.
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'My children [were] with their dad for spring break,' said Morales. 'They were headed home, and somebody who was under the influence lost control and hit them head-on, and my kids' father was killed instantly, along with my 19-year-old son Kaleb and my 14-year-old daughter Madyson, and his 11-year-old daughter Jordan that he had with his current wife. My son Ethan, who was 17 at the time, was the only survivor.'
Lt. Joseph Galland with the Bakersfield Police Department says there's no such thing as being too strict or too safe with your teen drivers.
'Parents should be very strict and very vocal about using their seatbelts,' said Lt. Galland. 'Not drinking and driving, not getting in cars with other people that have been drinking, calling a ride, calling mom, calling dad to get a ride home.'
Officer Williams added it's up to the driver to control the environment they want to be in while they drive.
'Limit the distractions inside the car. Put the cell phones down. Have the passengers answer the phones for you,' said Officer Williams. 'If the driver is feeling a little overwhelmed, a little distracted with all the passengers talking, they're in control of the car, so they can ask the passengers, 'Hey, can you guys quiet down a little bit?''
So stay safe on the road this summer. A weekend vacation should never turn into a lifelong tragedy.
'Unfortunately, having to go and live life without them, it sucks, it really sucks,' said Morales, wiping tears from her eyes. 'I really don't want any other families to end up like that.'
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