As Yakima Police continue emphasis patrols around the city the “100 deadliest days” of driving for teens are coming to an end.

1,600 INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS DIED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS

New teen drivers ages 16-17 years old are three times as likely as adults to be involved in a deadly crash, according to research from the AAA foundation for traffic safety. The finding comes as the “100 deadliest days,” the period between memorial day and labor day are coming to an end.
over the past five years, more than 1,600 people were killed in crashes involving inexperienced teen drivers during this deadly period.
State officials say as we exit the  “100 deadliest days” and start a new school year we’ll see more new drivers on Yakima roads.

MANY DRIVERS ARE DRIVING DISTRACTED

AAA says 7,038 people died in crashes involving teen drivers from 2010 to 2019 during the “100 Deadliest Days” between Memorial Day and Labor Day. And, according to Travelers Insurance 2021 Risk Index on Distracted Driving, more respondents reported using their mobile devices in unsafe ways while driving than in previous years. That means more and more new drivers will be distracted on the road.

STATE OFFICIALS SAY PUT DOWN THE PHONE AND DRIVE

Cell phones remain the greatest source of distraction, with two of every three distracted drivers in Washington observed either using or talking on a hand-held phone. The observational study also found slightly more people distracted on city streets than county roads or state routes. Yakima Police say distracted drivers and drivers not paying attention to traffic lights and signs are the things that lead to a lot of crashes in the city of Yakima.
State officials say 30% of all fatal crashes still involve a distracted driver. 23% of all serious crashes are due to distracted drivers and 70% were found to be using cell phones.
Yakima Police Capt. Shawn Boyle says the aim with emphasis patrols is educational but he says some drivers are being cited for breaking traffic laws.