AAA Urges Drivers to Practice “100 Days of Safe Driving” This Summer

Washington, D.C.–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 is urging drivers to commit to “100 Days of Safe Driving” between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  

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. 

“The ‘100 Days of Safe Driving’ campaign is about encouraging drivers to make simple choices behind the wheel that can help save lives,” said Gene Boehm, president and CEO of AAA. “By staying focused, slowing down, buckling up, and planning ahead for a sober ride, every driver can help make our roads safer this summer.” 

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. AAA encourages teens to use the summer months as an opportunity to build safe driving habits by limiting distractions, obeying speed limits, buckling up, and never driving impaired. Parents also play an important role by setting expectations early and modeling safe behavior behind the wheel.

Summer celebrations and travel can also increase the risk 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. 

“No celebration is worth risking a life,” said Jose Torres, AAA Manager of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research.  “Whether you’re heading to a backyard barbecue, a concert, or a weekend getaway, make a plan to get home safely before the fun begins. Choosing a sober ride is one of the simplest ways drivers can protect themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road.”