Summer is one of the busiest times of year for teen drivers across Western and Central New York. With school out and schedules more flexible, teens spend more time behind the wheel. According to AAA Driver Training Manager Mike Formanowicz, that extra driving time also brings added risks and common mistakes.   

We sat down with Formanowicz to discuss the summer driving trends he's seeing, the skills teens struggle with most, and how parents can help young drivers build safer habits during the busy summer season.

Experience Is the Biggest Challenge

According to Formanowicz, the biggest obstacle for new drivers isn't controlling the vehicle—it's learning how to recognize hazards before they become problems. 

"The real value comes from teachable moments," he explained. "You can't plan for a pedestrian stepping out unexpectedly or another driver running a red light, but when those situations happen, instructors can teach awareness and risk recognition." 

That ability to anticipate danger develops with experience, making consistent practice one of the most important parts of becoming a safer driver.

Common Summer Driving Challenges

Summer traffic often exposes weaknesses that may not be apparent during the school year. Construction zones require drivers to adapt to changing traffic patterns, while festivals, parks, and downtown events create more pedestrian activity and parking challenges. Even skills like parallel parking become more important during busy summer outings. 

Distractions are another major concern. 

"The biggest thing is distractions," said Formanowicz. "Drivers are trying to pay attention to what's happening inside the vehicle while also paying attention to the road." 

Passenger restrictions for junior licenses exist for a reason. Research consistently shows that inexperienced drivers face greater crash risks when carrying multiple passengers, particularly at night. Parents should understand these restrictions and ensure their teens follow them.

Highway Driving Requires Practice

Summer road trips often place teens on highways and expressways, where higher speeds and lane changes can be intimidating for new drivers. AAA Driver Training gradually introduces these environments, helping students build confidence with merging, speed management, and lane positioning. 

One of the most common mistakes teens make when entering a highway is failing to accelerate to the speed of traffic. 

"When you're merging, the goal is to get your vehicle up to speed and actively look for a gap while signaling," Formanowicz said. 

Exiting can be equally challenging, as new drivers often brake too early instead of waiting until they've entered the exit ramp. These skills improve with repetition and supervised practice.

Parents Set the Example

While professional instruction plays an important role, Formanowicz says parents remain one of the biggest influences on a teen driver's development. Young drivers often mirror the habits they observe behind the wheel. 

"Parents need to be cognizant of displaying good driving habits," he said. "And they need to be patient." 

Everyday drives—from errands to family outings—provide opportunities for teens to gain experience and reinforce safe habits.

Three Skills Every Teen Should Focus on This Summer

Formanowicz recommends concentrating on three key areas: 

1. Awareness 

Drivers should constantly scan ahead, check mirrors, and look for potential hazards before they become immediate threats. 

2. Following Distance 

Maintaining enough space behind other vehicles gives drivers more time to react to sudden stops or unexpected situations. 

3. Speed Management 

Safe driving isn't just about following the speed limit. Drivers should adjust their speed based on weather, visibility, traffic, and road conditions.

Staying Safe During the "100 Deadliest Days"

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often called the "100 Deadliest Days" because teen crash risks increase during the summer months. More traffic, construction, bicycles, pedestrians, and recreational activities create additional hazards that require constant attention. 

If there's one habit Formanowicz believes makes the biggest difference, it's visual searching. New drivers should avoid focusing solely on the vehicle in front of them and instead continuously scan intersections, mirrors, and surrounding traffic to anticipate what others may do next. 

"As time goes on, students can look more, see more, and react more," Formanowicz said. "That's what experience gives them."

Ready to help your teen become a safer, more confident driver? AAA Driver Training provides expert instruction, hands-on experience, and the skills young drivers need to navigate today's roads. 

AAA Driver Training