TL;DR

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day sees a spike in teen driver accidents.
Planning ahead and staying informed helps prevent accidents.
Avoid distractions, wear your seatbelt, and never drive impaired.
Defensive driving techniques can save lives.
Get Drivers Ed helps new drivers build safe habits year-round.

Summer break brings sunshine, road trips, and unfortunately, a sharp rise in traffic accidents—especially for young drivers. The stretch from Memorial Day to Labor Day is often called the “100 Deadliest Days” due to the spike in fatal crashes. At Get Drivers Ed, we believe education is the best defense. Here are five critical tips to help you navigate summer driving with caution and confidence.

Understanding the Risks

Why Summer Is More Dangerous for Teen Drivers

The 100 deadliest days are marked by an increase in:

Long-distance travel
Heavier traffic
Teen drivers out of school
Risky behavior like speeding and distracted driving

Young drivers face greater risks due to limited experience. That’s why Get Drivers Ed emphasizes real-world driving skills in our online drivers ed course.

Tip 1: Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

Preparation Prevents Problems

Before you head out:

Use GPS apps to plan the best routes and avoid high-traffic zones.
Check the weather for conditions that may affect your trip.
Monitor alerts for road construction or closures.

Smart preparation means fewer surprises on the road. Check current traffic and weather updates before every trip.

Tip 2: Avoid Distractions

Keep Your Eyes (and Mind) on the Road

Distracted driving causes thousands of accidents each year. To stay focused:

Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb."
Pre-set your GPS and playlists.
Limit conversations and avoid eating while driving.

Learn how to stay focused in our defensive driving course—perfect for reducing distractions behind the wheel.

Tip 3: Practice Defensive Driving

Stay Aware of Surroundings

Defensive driving means anticipating other drivers’ actions and being ready to respond. Key practices include:
Keeping a safe following distance
Obeying speed limits
Scanning your surroundings continuously
Being cautious at intersections
Want more real-world safety tips? Visit our blog on night driving visibility.

Tip 4: Buckle Up Every Time

Seatbelts Save Lives

Wearing your seatbelt is one of the simplest and most effective safety habits. Ensure:
Every passenger is buckled before the vehicle moves
Your lap belt lies snug across your hips—not your stomach
The shoulder strap crosses your chest
Safety doesn’t take a holiday. Explore more safe holiday night driving tips.

Tip 5: Avoid Impaired Driving

Know When You’re Not Fit to Drive

Alcohol, drugs, and even some medications can severely affect your reaction time and decision-making. Always:

Assign a sober driver
Use a rideshare or taxi service
Stay overnight if needed

Impaired driving is never worth the risk. Brush up on safety habits with our safe night driving tips.

How Get Drivers Ed Supports Summer Safety

Learn from the Pros

Get Drivers Ed equips students with:

Defensive driving techniques
Real-world road scenarios
Interactive video lessons
Flexible, online access 24/7

Whether you’re brand new or brushing up on skills, our course helps you drive safely during summer and beyond.

Final Thoughts: Make Summer Driving Safer

The 100 deadliest days require your full attention on the road. By planning smart, avoiding distractions, buckling up, and driving sober, you can drastically reduce your risk of accidents.

Recap:

Summer driving poses unique risks for young drivers.
Preparation and awareness are key.
Defensive driving and good habits make a difference.
Get Drivers Ed helps you practice safety all year long.

Ready to Drive Smarter This Summer?

Enroll in Get Drivers Ed and take the first step toward safe, confident driving. Whether you’re a new driver or just need a summer refresher, our flexible course is your perfect co-pilot.