A new study by AAA ranks June 10 as the second deadliest day of the year for teen drivers.

According the study, in 2010, Virginia had more teen deaths on the road during the summer.

Twenty-six teens, ages 15 to 19, died between June and August.

The complete list of top ten deadliest days for teen drivers: January 21, May 20, May 26, June 10, July 2, July 4, July 9, July 15, July 23 and November 11.

According to AAA, more than 7,300 teen drivers and passengers, ages 13 through 19, died in traffic crashes between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays.

Authors of the study say events like proms, graduation parties and other celebrations are likely factors.

Local driving instructors say defensive driving is the key to safety behind the wheel.

"You choose, and I choose, how heavy to lean my foot on the gas pedal, how close to drive to another car, and so most of the class is teaching technique on how to drive to stay alive," says Anna Lee Gardner, of Gardner Plus in Harrisonburg.

The driving school teaches students of all ages.

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