According to research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the average number of teen driver crashes increases 15% nationally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In Tennessee, the increase in teen driver crashes (2014 to 2018) during May 30 to labor day averaged 7.84 %.

Inexperience and increased exposure are driving forces in the rise of crashes. But teens are more likely to be driving with more passengers than adults, they are out later at night in the summer, they are more likely to speed and less likely to wear seat belts when out with friends.

SADD, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are working together to keep teens safe on the road this summer through education, peer to peer programing and enhanced enforcement.

At this event, SADD will also announce Presley Connor of Henderson, Tennessee as the National President of the College Advisory Council.

Connor will lead the efforts of SADD to reach college students with lifesaving information on traffic safety, substance abuse, and personal health and safety. She will travel the country speaking to teens and other stakeholders and about the importance of peer-to-peer education. She is the first National President to come from the Volunteer State. A recent graduate and class valedictorian of Chester County High School, Connor will be attending Freed-Hardeman University in the fall.