The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the holidays that mark the unofficial start and end of summer, are known for increased road activity and risk as teens gain more independence behind the wheel, families hit the road for vacations, and celebrations bring more drivers onto the roadways. Over 30% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers and nearly one-third of all impaired-driving fatalities occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to a AAA review of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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 during the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Summer months are particularly dangerous as more young drivers are on the road during school breaks with many logging more unsupervised driving time than usual.
Summer traffic fatalities involving teenagers dramatically increase due to increased free time, more passengers, speeding and distracted driving. AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly all drivers recognize the danger of distracted driving and using a mobile device with 97% identifying social media use as dangerous, 94% texting and emailing as dangerous, and 90% reading as dangerous. However, the report found many drivers still engage in these behaviors with 28% admitting to texting while driving, 37% read messages and 36% talk on a handheld phone.
Distracted driving alone accounts for 60% of teen crashes. Inexperience behind the wheel combined with these risks creates a dangerous situation.
AAA Central Penn provides two options for young drivers to learn safe driving practices on the road. The AAA Driving School offers a 30-hour theory class for new drivers and behind-the-wheel training. The class is offered both online and in-person. AAA Central Penn, along with other auto clubs in Pennsylvania, also sponsor the Pennsylvania Parent’s Supervised Driving Program. This is a free guide available at all AAA Central Penn locations and provided to permit drivers at PennDOT.
“With teens out of school, summer is the perfect time for them to complete a driver education course,” said Sharon Hawkins, AAA Central Penn’s driving school manager. “AAA Central Penn is dedicated to educating young drivers and promoting safety on the road. Our AAA Driving School and the Pennsylvania Parent’s Supervised Driving Program are two excellent options for young drivers to learn safe driving practices and the rules of the road.”
When getting on the road this summer, AAA Central Penn is advising all drivers to:
- Buckle up.
- Slow down and follow posted speed limits.
- Stay hands free by putting phones away, set them to “Do not disturb,” or mount them to the dashboard for safe hands-free driving. Effective June 5, 2025, Paul Miller’s Law prohibits the use of interactive mobile devices while driving. Drivers cannot hold or use a handheld phone for any interaction, including texting, calling or browsing. The law not only covers active driving but includes driving while stationary at a red traffic light or stop sign.
- Prepare for safe travel by setting up hands-free driving prior to departure including setting up navigation for directions and music.
- Limit the number of passengers. (Teen drivers’ crash risks multiply when they have teen passengers. Parents should set limits and enforce them.)
Parents and caregivers also play a vital role in ensuring teens’ safety by setting clear rules, providing ample supervised practice, emphasizing responsible driving habits and encouraging them to complete a comprehensive driver education course. Parents and caregivers should always model safe driving behavior for their teens and enforce boundaries around teen driving privileges to ensure safer roads for all.
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.
