ANNAPOLIS — Maryland transportation and law enforcement officials are urging drivers to prioritize safety during the summer months, when traffic fatalities typically rise. The period from Memorial Day to Labor Day, often called the 100 Deadliest Days, sees more vehicles on roads due to travel, vacations and celebrations.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office and the Maryland State Police are conducting high-visibility enforcement, DUI saturation patrols and public outreach through Labor Day. Troopers from all 23 Maryland State Police barracks, including the specialized Impaired Driving Reduction Effort team, along with local agencies, are targeting impaired driving, speeding and other risky behaviors.
So far this year, troopers have removed more than 2,000 suspected impaired drivers from roadways, with the specialized unit removing another 333 in high-risk areas, particularly around Baltimore and Washington. Officers have also issued citations to 1,600 drivers traveling 30 or more miles per hour over the speed limit and 350 drivers exceeding 100 miles per hour.
“Summer travel means more vehicles on the road, more celebrations and unfortunately, more preventable crashes,” said Chrissy Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator and Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “We want every Marylander to enjoy their summer safely by making responsible choices behind the wheel including planning ahead for a sober ride, avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits and always buckling up.”
Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, emphasized partnership efforts. “In partnership with our law enforcement and highway safety partners, we are committed to ensuring every person who travels our roadways arrives at their destination safely,” he said. “Summer should be a season of making memories with family and friends, not tragedy on our highways. We urge motorists to obey the speed limit, never drive impaired, and remain alert, especially in work zones.”
Over the past five years in Maryland, nearly 800 people have been killed and almost 15,000 injured in crashes involving impaired drivers. Speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving also contribute significantly to serious incidents during summer months.
Roadway users are encouraged to designate a sober driver or use rideshare services if consuming alcohol or drugs. Seat belts should be used on every trip. Drivers must follow posted speed limits and avoid aggressive behaviors. When approaching stopped vehicles displaying warning signals, including hazard lights or flares, motorists should change lanes or slow down. Distractions should be eliminated by keeping phones out of reach. Drivers should stay alert for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists, and slow down in work zones.
Pedestrians are reminded to use marked crosswalks, remain alert and wear bright or reflective clothing at night.
The Maryland Department of Transportation continues its Serious About Safety initiative and Strategic Highway Safety Plan to reduce fatalities. More information is available at ZeroDeathsMD.gov.
AAA is also promoting its “100 Days of Safe Driving” campaign from Memorial Day to Labor Day to encourage safer choices. The effort highlights that more than 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers and nearly one-third of impaired-driving fatalities occur during this period.
In 2024, the most recent year with complete national data, 2,636 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers, with 825 of those deaths occurring during the summer period. In Maryland, an average of 23 young drivers ages 16 to 20 are killed in traffic crashes each year, with about 35 percent of injury crashes involving young drivers occurring between April and July.
In Virginia, teen drivers were involved in nearly 4,500 crashes during the period in 2025, resulting in 35 deaths and nearly 3,500 injuries. Of 77 traffic deaths involving teen drivers statewide that year, nearly half occurred during summer.
AAA encourages teens to build safe habits by avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, wearing seat belts and never driving impaired. Parents should model safe behavior, set clear expectations and consider a parent-teen driving agreement. Supervised practice driving of at least 60 hours, including 10 hours at night, is recommended.
Parents evaluating driving schools should ensure curricula cover advanced vehicle technology, cannabis effects, Move Over laws and sharing the road with vulnerable users. AAA offers a free four-page guide, “Coaching Your New Driver – An In-Car Guide for Parents,” with a driving log and lesson plans. The AAA Teen Driver Website and StartSmart Parent Session provide additional resources.
“No celebration is worth risking a life,” said Jose Torres, AAA Manager of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research. “Whether you’re headed 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 and most effective ways drivers can protect themselves and others.”
“Parents remain the best line of defense to keep everyone safe behind the wheel,” said Ragina Ali, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA in Maryland and Washington, D.C. “It’s never too soon for parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and alcohol and marijuana impairment. But, and this is an important but, they also need to model good driving behavior themselves.”
In Southern Maryland, increased summer traffic on routes such as Maryland Route 2/4 in Calvert County and U.S. Route 301 in Charles County heightens risks, particularly with beach and waterfront destinations drawing visitors. Local law enforcement participates in statewide enforcement waves. Residents planning trips to popular areas should allow extra time and follow safety practices to reduce crash risks on local and connecting roadways.
The combined efforts aim to protect all roadway users through enforcement, education and personal responsibility during the high-risk summer period.
