Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer driving season, a time when teens gain more independence behind the wheel, families hit the road for vacations, and celebrations bring more drivers onto the nation’s roadways. To encourage safer choices during this high-travel period, AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) is urging drivers to commit to “100 Days of Safe Driving” between Memorial Day and Labor Day by teaming up with the New York State Police, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Monroe County Office of Traffic Safety.

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, like 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.

“While the name may sound grim, AAA coined the phrase 100 Deadliest Days to draw attention to a very real and preventable safety problem,” explains AAA WCNY President and CEO Marke Dickinson. “This year, to encourage safer choices during this high-travel period, AAA is urging drivers to commit to ‘100 Days of Safe Driving’ between Memorial Day and Labor Day.”

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.

“I have a teenage daughter who recently got her permit and is learning to drive and acquire a license as we speak,” explained Deputy David Marcucci with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. “So my message today comes from that perspective, not just from my role as a police officer. You can’t do it alone. It takes everyone in our community to make sure our young drivers are safe. To our young drivers: know that you are arguably taking on the biggest responsibility in your lifetime, the safe operation of a motor vehicle on the roadway. When you sit in the driver’s seat, you are now responsible for your safety, you are now responsible for the safety of your passengers, and your actions play a role in the safety of everyone else sharing the road around you.”

“Teens are ready to celebrate all of their successes from throughout the school year. We know with summer and the end of the school year there are so many opportunities for teenagers to make the right choice,” said Lindsay Tomidy, STOP-DWI Program Coordinator with the Monroe County Office of Traffic Safety. “Unfortunately, when I was 13 and my brother was 17, he made a wrong choice, which ignites my passion. 94 percent of crashes in Monroe County are preventable.”

“You need to have those honest conversations with teen drivers about distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, passenger distractions, and peer pressure,” said New York State Police Trooper Lynnea Crane, Public Information Officer. The New York State Police report a 22 percent increase in motor vehicle fatal collisions in two short years from 2023 to 2025.

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.