Safety Efforts Underway As '100 Deadliest Days' For Teen Drivers Begin

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The 100 days after Memorial Day are known as the deadliest for teen drivers and there are efforts underway to keep teens safe across the Tri-State area.

Researchers analyzed 2,200 dashcam videos and found nearly 60 percent of teen crashes involved distracted driving, according to a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Texting and social media use behind the wheel is also on the rise, according to the AAA Foundation.

"Nobody can safely multitask behind the wheel, but distractions are particularly dangerous when combined with the inexperience of teen drivers," said Alec Slatky, Legislative Analyst for AAA Northeast. "Unfortunately, too many young drivers are not hearing or ignoring this message."

AT&T is using a 3-D virtual reality simulator to illustrate the dangers of distracted driving to teens. WCBS 880's Sean Adams tested it out and drove into an intersection and was broadsided by a another car after looking down at a text.

Westchester County Deputy Executive Kevin Plunkett took the virtual drive and called it an eye opening experience.

"I think it should be used in every high school," Plunkett said. "In two minutes I learned more about the dangers of texting and driving than you would learn by anybody lecturing you."

On Long Island, five cab companies have agreed to offer free rides to students who are unfit to drive home after prom.

"If participating in this campaign helps to prevent any tragedy, then we've done our due diligence as an instrumental partner in our community," said Larry Blessinger, Vice President of All Island Transportation -- one of the participating cab companies.

To arrange a safe ride home, students should call 516-326-9090.

Some students are pledging not to drink and drive.

"I know the consequences. It's just stupid to drink and drive," one Mineola High School senior said.

Long Island officials released the following safety tips for teens:

• Do not drink alcohol and drive.
• Do not let your friends drink and drive. Extreme alcohol consumption frequently sends kids to the ER on prom night; either for alcohol poisoning or following motor vehicle crashes.
• Do not leave your nonalcoholic drink unattended at your table, discard it and get a new one (to ensure that no one has spiked your beverage).
• Do not accept a beverage from someone you do not know, it could be tainted.
• Keep an eye on your driver to make sure they do not drink alcohol.
• Keep a close eye on oncoming drivers. Impaired drivers tend to drive toward lights.
• After the light turns green, wait a second before pulling into the intersection.
• Keep the radio volume low enough so the driver can concentrate on getting to and from the fun.
• Do not text or use a cell phone when behind the wheel. Both are major distractions.