CLIVE, Iowa — Travel experts call the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as "The Deadliest 100 Days," the most dangerous time for teen drivers marked by a 21% spike in teen traffic fatalities.
Ed Jennings, a Street Smarts spokesman, has shaped the way young drivers get behind the wheel for 12 years.
He says teenage passengers are the least likely people in a car to wear a seatbelt.
With teens out of school, they are more likely on the roads going to activities.
“With one friend in a car they’re twice as likely to be in a crash," he said. "Three or more friends in the car they’re about six times more likely to be in a crash.”
“On average, every day, six teens die in a car crash," National Road safety Foundation spokesperson Michelle Anderson said. "During those summer months that number triples."
To keep your teen safe, both Jennings and Anderson agree: wear your seatbelt, don't be distracted by friends in the car, put your cell phone down, drive the speed limit and keep a safe following distance.
Parents can also use apps to keep an eye on their teens.
The app Life 360 uses GPS on the child's phone to see how fast they are driving, tracks the miles on their car, and lets you know where they are.
Other apps for driving safety include: Road Ready, Hum by Verizon and Mama Bear.
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