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, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Erie County Clerk to raise awareness of traffic safety and travel.

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.

“The New York State Police saw a 22 percent increase in motor vehicle fatal collisions in two short years from 2023 to 2025,” said Trooper James O’Callaghan, Public Information Officer. “The three primary causes for traffic collisions are impairment, distraction, and speeding – all of those increase in the summer months. Our teens have grown up with a phone in their hand. It’s imperative that they separate that lifestyle from being behind the wheel, and parents must be good role models for our young drivers.”

“The roadways of Erie County will once again swell with bicyclists and pedestrians this summer. That means it is as important a time as ever to put down the cell phone and give the roadway your complete concentration. About 3,000 people die each year in a crash caused by distracted driving. Each of these deaths is preventable. Take the pledge this summer to drive phone-free,” said Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia.

“Driving is a responsibility that should never be taken lightly. No matter your age or experience, make the choice to JUST DRIVE while behind the wheel — because one text or phone call could wreck it all,” said Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns. “As the Erie County Clerk’s Office oversees local auto bureaus that issue driver licenses, permits, and non-driver IDs through the New York State DMV, we encourage all new teen drivers to take the Safe Driving/No-Texting or Prom Pledge when receiving their learner’s permit. The pledge is available at all Erie County Auto Bureaus and on our website under the ‘Your Teen Driver’ section. Together, let’s make this the safest 100 Days of Summer.”

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.