The Memorial Day weekend holiday can be deadly for drivers, and it kicks off what has become known as the '100 Deadly Days' — with Memorial Day through Labor Day resulting in an uptick in roadway deaths, particularly among teens. Despite the holiday weekend, many commercial fleet drivers will be on the road for work. 

Memorial Day Travel Expected to Set A New Record

AAA forecasts that 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period, from Thursday, May 22, to Monday, May 26. This travel forecast breaks the previous Memorial Day weekend record of 44 million people set in 2005. 

Of the expected 45.1 million travelers, 39.4 million will be travelling by car. That’s an additional one million travelers compared to last year. 

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates 443 people may die in preventable traffic crashes during the 2025 Memorial Day holiday period. This number notes a 6% increase from 2024’s estimate. 

The NSC shared some tips for a safer holiday weekend:

1. Drive defensively: Buckle up, designate a sober driver, get enough sleep and avoid distractions.

2. Prepare your vehicle: Check tires, oil, and repair any open recalls at ChecktoProtect.org.

3. Avoid impairment: Remember, both alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications, can impair driving ability.

4. Monitor speed: Drive at or below posted limits and adjust for weather and traffic conditions.

5. Stay focused: Put phones away and minimize distractions while driving.

6. Check back seats: Always look before locking your vehicle to ensure no children or pets remain inside.

7. Support safety initiatives: Visit nsc.org/roadtozero to join efforts to eliminate roadway fatalities.Here are more insights from Jerry's data analysis:

What's the Deadliest Day to Drive?

The data revealed that Saturday proved the deadliest day on the roads during Memorial Day weekend, followed by Sunday.

The single deadliest hour is 11 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, followed by midnight Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, and 9-10 p.m. on Sunday. The safest times to drive include Saturday morning after 6 a.m. and Sunday and Monday mornings after 8 a.m.

What Is the Cause of Most Crashes?

Nearly one third of all Memorial Day holiday crashes involve speeding, while another 30% involve at least one driver with a positive blood-alcohol test.

Moreover, nearly three-fourths of fatal crashes that involve speeding involve at least one driver who had been drinking.

Where Do Most of the Crashes Occur?

It may come as a surprise that only 12% of fatal holiday crashes occur on an interstate highway, while 43% occur in rural areas and 49% involve a vehicle leaving the roadway.

Among U.S. cities, Houston and Dallas recorded the most fatal crashes during the Memorial Day holiday period. Texas reported the most fatal crashes, with 218 fatal crashes during the holiday period between 2018-2022. 

The three most populus states — Texas, California, and Florida — all see twice as many fatal crashes as any other state.

On a per capita basis, Delaware reported the most fatal crashes of any state, as well as the most involving speeding and the most involving drugs. Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska topped the list of states with the most per capita fatal crashes involving drinking.

NHTSA announced a heightened law enforcement presence will be on U.S. roadways through June 2 as part of the Click It or Ticket campaign. The annual seat belt safety campaign runs concurrent with the Memorial Day holiday.

Here are some safety tips from NHTSA to share with your drivers to keep them safe:

• If you are planning to drink, plan ahead for a sober ride home. 

• If you are using any impairing drugs, including marijuana, don’t drive, arrange for a safe ride home. Impaired driving is illegal, regardless of the source of impairment.

• If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in May 2024 and has been updated for continued relevance.