According to AAA: Memorial Day marked the beginning of the “100 deadliest days for teen drivers”

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Memorial day kicked off the unofficial start of summer, but it was also the start of the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. AAA compiled data from crash reports and found that more than 30% of deaths involving teen drivers occurred during between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Former Chattanooga Police Officer John Collins recently opened a driving academy for kids that are about to hit the road. The academy teaches AAA driving standards and has a driving simulator. He said it’s all about forming safe habits.

“That’s the hardest adjustments for young drivers to make going from that passenger seat where you can have those distractions to go into the driver’s seat where you need to cut them off. So, as temperatures get up, you kind of want to turn up the radio, you want to drive a little bit faster, you’re having fun and you’re not as focused on the job as driving and that’s one thing we try to get them to do to make sure we get them in the habit of when you drive. Your only objective is to drive”

Chase Moretz is a student at Behind the Wheel Driving Academy, he said most of all, this class has taught him how to be aware

“I think that we think we think we know it all a lot of times, but in reality we’re not paying attention. We’re playing, like I said, Pokemon Go or Fortnite mobile in the passenger’s seat. I think this class has, you know, I’d say boost my confidence, but at the same time kind of humble me a way.”

Parents looking for ways to protect their teen drivers can download apps like ‘Life 360‘ to track their teen driver’s speed and Behind The Wheel Driving Academy is currently accepting new students.