The summer calendar is moving quickly, and AAA is reminding drivers to make traffic safety a priority. AAA refers to the summer season as the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers – the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal teen crashes increase dramatically. This year, AAA is asking drivers to commit to 100 Days of Safe Driving.

This message comes at a critical time: according to a AAA review of national crash data, more than 30% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers and nearly one-third of all impaired-driving fatalities occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day. By making smart choices behind the wheel, such as putting cell phones out of reach, following posted speed limits, buckling up, and planning ahead for a sober ride, drivers can help make summer roads safer for everyone.

In 2024 alone, the most recent year of complete crash data, 2,636 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver. A third of those deaths, 825, happened in the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Summer months are particularly dangerous as more young drivers hit the road as they make the most of their summer vacations from school.

“Young drivers in high school and college look forward to the summer season and await newfound freedom with a break from school,” said Mike Formanowicz, driver training manager at AAA Western and Central New York. “AAA urges parents to talk to their young drivers about traffic safety and serve as good role models as well.”

Formanowicz says parents should discuss the importance of buckling up, obeying speed limits, and putting phones away. Parents should encourage teens to use “do not disturb” features on their phones to silence distractions while driving. With teens out of school, he says summer is also a great time for young drivers to complete a comprehensive driver education course to learn the rules of the road.

Due to their inexperience, teen drivers are at a higher risk of crashes. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Culture Index, about 72% of teen drivers aged 16-18 admitted to having engaged in at least one of the following risky behaviors:

• Driving 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street (47%)
• Driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway (40%)
• Texting (35%)
• Red-light running (32%)
• Aggressive driving (31%)
• Drowsy driving (25%)
• Driving without a seatbelt (17%)

Planning ahead before summer celebrations and travel can ensure safety and prevent the consequences of impaired driving. According to AAA crash data analysis, nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involves an impaired driver. AAA, in partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, reminds anyone who plans to drink or use impairing substances to arrange a sober ride before going out. Drivers can get more safety tips here.