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, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Onondaga County Traffic Safety Advisory Board (OCTSAB) 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.

“In Onondaga County, we see a mix of urban, suburban, and rural roadways, which means drivers encounter motorcycles, pedestrians, and cyclists every day. As we head into warmer months, traffic volumes increase — and so does the presence of vulnerable road users,” explained Deputy Kevin Greenwood, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office. “Our goal is simple: prevent crashes and save lives by reminding everyone to slow down, stay alert, and share the road responsibly.”

The New York State Police saw a 22 percent increase in motor vehicle fatal collisions in two short years from 2023 to 2025, with impaired driving a leading cause. “In 2024, nearly 12,000 people were killed in alcohol impaired driving crashes nationwide. Impairment is not limited to alcohol. Drug impaired driving is increasing as well including marijuana impaired driving. While recreational marijuana is legal in New York State, it is never safe or legal to drive impaired,” said New York State Police Trooper Jennifer Jiron, PIO Troop D, who suggested setting up a family agreement with clear rules about driving.

“Traffic safety starts at home,” explained Patricia Wortley, Chair of OCTSAB, who shared a message with parents. “Talk to your teens about the big four risks: speeding, distraction, impairment, and not wearing a seat belt. These four behaviors account for the majority of serious crashes involving young drivers. Parents, your young drivers learn by watching you. If you speed, drive distracted, or fail to buckle up, they notice.”

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.