What Parents and New Drivers Should Know Before Labor Day

TL;DR: Labor Day weekend marks the final—and most dangerous—chapter of the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers. But with the right prep, communication, and strategy, you can help your teen stay safe while celebrating their hard-earned freedom.

Why Labor Day Weekend Matters

Getting your driver's license is a major win. It's your launchpad into freedom, road trips, and leveling up your life. And Labor Day weekend? It's the perfect stage to show the world you've got this. But here's the thing—this weekend also closes out one of the riskiest times of year for teen drivers.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, crash rates among teens spike. Experts call it the 100 Deadliest Days100 Deadliest Days 7 Things New Drivers Need Know Blog. And no, that's not to scare you—it's to remind you that awareness = power. The good news? With smart planning and open convos, you can drive straight through this danger zone and into the school year with confidence.

What Makes Labor Day So Risky?

Labor Day is like the grand finale of summer freedom—and that comes with a few risky ingredients:

• More passengers = more distractions

• More night driving = lower visibility and higher danger

• More inexperience = less ability to navigate unfamiliar roads, bad weather, or packed highways

According to AAA's latest researchMichigan The 100 Deadliest Days For Teen Drivers Have Begun Newsroom.acg.aaa.com, over 30% of all deaths in teen-involved car crashes from 2019-2023 happened during the 100 Deadliest Days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. On average, 8 people are killed per day in teen-involved driving crashes in the summer, compared to 7 per day during the rest of the year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reportsTeen Driving Road Safety that distraction plays a role in nearly 60% of teen crashes, with texting while driving increasing crash risk by 23 times.

So what can you do? You learn the risks—and then outsmart them.

Pro Tips for Safer Labor Day Road Trips

1. Choose Your Departure Time Wisely

• Avoid Friday afternoon traffic at all costs. It's chaos.

• Leave Thursday night (after 8 PM) or early Friday morning (before 6 AM) for a smoother ride.

2. Plan Your Return Strategically

• Monday afternoon = gridlock.

• Best bets: leave before 6 AM Monday, or chill one more night and come back Tuesday.

3. Check Your Ride Like a Pro

• Tire pressure? Check.

• Oil? Coolant? Wiper fluid? Top 'em off.

• All lights working? Blinkers, headlights, brake lights—get a buddy to help you check.

• Emergency kit packed? Think charger, snacks, flashlight, jumper cables, water.

A comprehensive emergency kit should include items like water, towels, antifreeze, and roadside assistance contacts33 Items You Should Include In Your Emergency Car Kit Blog.