Make every drive count. Summer driving brings increased risks, but safe choices can save lives.
May 26, 2026 | Traffic Safety
VOORHEES, N.J. (May 26, 2026) -- 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.
In New Jersey, 35 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2024. Fifteen of those came during the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. From 2015-2024, 283 people in the Garden State were killed in a crash involving a teen driver, an average of 29 per year.
When accounting for population, New Jersey has some of the safest roads in the country for teen drivers. In 2024, 3.7 people per 1 million population were killed in crashes involving a teen driver, the fourth fewest in the United States, behind only Rhode Island (1.8), New York (2.8), and Massachusetts (3.1).
However, one death is still too many, and a troubling trend is emerging in New Jersey. Since at least 2022, the deaths per capita, as well as the number of people killed, has risen each year.
In 2022, 20 people were killed in New Jersey in crashes involving a teen driver (2.2 per 1 million population. In 2023, that number rose to 28 deaths (3.0). In 2024, 35 people were killed (3.7).
That’s why 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.”
About AAA
Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.