As the weather warms and Americans hit the road in droves, a new traffic safety study from DeMayo Law reveals a troubling seasonal trend: summer consistently ranks as the deadliest time of year for U.S. drivers.
Based on the latest available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and supplemental safety organizations, the study shows a dramatic increase in both injury-causing and fatal accidents between June and September, fueled by a potent mix of heat, traffic volume, teen drivers, and alcohol use.
In 2023 alone, 2.44 million people were injured in road crashes, a 2.5% rise over the previous year. And although fatalities dipped slightly, 40,901 lives were lost, with over 12,000 tied to alcohol and more than 11,000 to speeding.
America’s Most Dangerous Driving Window
Each summer, the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day earns its nickname: the “100 Deadliest Days.” Teen drivers, many newly licensed, flood the roads during these months, and according to the National Road Safety Foundation, they’re 20% more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to the rest of the year.
The reasons? Inexperience, distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving top the list.
The South Tops the List for Summer Fatalities
While summer traffic deaths rise nationwide, no region sees more tragedy than the South.
- The South accounted for over 21,500 fatalities in 2023
- 6,473 of those deaths occurred between June and September
- The region also had the highest summer temperatures, averaging 80–85°F
The West (11,201 annual fatalities), the Midwest (9,449), and the Northeast (4,737) followed, but none matched the South’s combination of intense heat and elevated crash risk.
How Heat Harms Driver Performance
Hot weather doesn’t just create discomfort; it directly affects driver performance. Research confirms that dehydration and fatigue impair reaction time, focus, and decision-making behind the wheel.
The report also notes:
- Dehydrated drivers are more likely to feel drowsy or lightheaded
- Drivers without functioning air conditioning are at even greater risk
- High temperatures can cause vehicle malfunctions, such as tire blowouts and overheating engines
And the dangers aren’t limited to moving vehicles. In parked cars, temperatures can skyrocket past 150°F, making hot car deaths a continued tragedy. Since 1998, 1,011 children have died after being left in hot vehicles. Southern states again dominate the list, led by:
- Texas (147 deaths)
- Florida (113)
- Georgia (42)
- North Carolina (41)
Alcohol + Heat: A Deadly Duo
Summer also brings a spike in alcohol-related crashes, which rise 3.4% during heatwaves. When combined with dehydration, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly—intensifying impairment even after small amounts.
In summer 2023:
- The South led with 1,960 alcohol-related road deaths
- The West followed with 1,075
- The Midwest had 977
- The Northeast had 548
States with the most summer DUI fatalities included Texas, California, Florida, Arizona, and Georgia.
Year-Round Risk, Summer Peak
While winter presents icy road dangers and fall brings its own challenges, summer still ranks as the most dangerous driving season. And the contributing factors are all too common:
- Long-distance vacation driving
- Teen drivers hitting the road for the first time
- High heat and fatigue
- More social events involving alcohol
What Drivers Can Do
To avoid becoming part of these summer statistics, the study recommends:
- Stay hydrated, especially on long drives
- Never drive under the influence, even if you “feel fine”
- Maintain your vehicle—check tires, fluids, and AC
- Keep children and pets out of parked vehicles
- Watch for teen drivers, particularly in residential areas or during evening hours
Legal Help After a Summer Crash
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident this summer, DeMayo Law Offices is here to help. Our legal team has decades of experience handling personal injury cases related to motor vehicle crashes, especially those caused by negligent or impaired drivers.
