As families head out on vacations, teens spend more time behind the wheel, and traffic increases across Texas, local and state partners are reminding drivers that summer is one of the most dangerous times of the year on the road. The Austin County Extension Office, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Watch UR BAC and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are promoting the “100 Safest Days of Summer” campaign, encouraging drivers to make smart choices between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The campaign is designed to counter what safety experts often call the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” a period when crashes involving teen drivers typically increase as school is out and more inexperienced drivers are on the road. Nationally, more than 30% of teen driver fatalities occur during these summer months, and Texas recorded approximately 84,000 crashes involving teen drivers in 2024, resulting in 137 teen fatalities.
According to Michelle Wright, Family and Community Health Agent with the Austin County Extension Office, summer freedom should also come with responsible decision-making.
“Summer is a great time for young people to enjoy their freedom, but it’s also important to stay focused on safety. We encourage families to talk about safe driving and set clear expectations before teens hit the road.”
Common Causes of Summer Crashes
Traffic safety officials say many summer crashes are preventable and are often linked to:
- Distracted driving, especially texting or using a phone.
- Speeding.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Not wearing a seat belt.
- Inexperience behind the wheel.
Tips for Staying Safe This Summer
Whether you’re driving across town or across the state, a few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Buckle up every trip, no matter how short.
- Put your phone away before driving.
- Obey posted speed limits and slow down during rain or heavy traffic.
- Never drive impaired or ride with someone who has been drinking or using drugs.
- Get plenty of rest before long road trips.
- Parents should set clear expectations for teen drivers and limit nighttime driving and extra passengers until they gain more experience.
Watch UR BAC, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program funded by TxDOT, provides traffic safety education to schools and communities throughout Texas. Through education and outreach, campaign partners hope to reduce crashes and help make this summer one of the safest yet for Texas families.
