More independence and less structure create a critical learning period for teen drivers

DEARBORN, Mich., (July 13, 2026) — For newly licensed teens, summer is their first real test behind the wheel. With more freedom, less routine and an increase in seasonal travel, the risks can increase. To encourage safer choices during this high-travel period, AAA is urging drivers to commit to “100 Days of Safe Driving.” Families should use this time to reinforce smart choices behind the wheel to help prevent crashes and save lives.

“Earning a license is a major milestone, but it doesn’t mean a teen is fully prepared for everything they’ll encounter on the road,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That first summer of driving often brings new freedoms, like driving alone, driving at night, or driving with friends. Those situations can quickly challenge a new driver’s experience and decision-making.”

A Critical Window for Building Safe Habits

AAA emphasizes that the first several months of independent driving are critical in shaping long-term habits. In 2024 alone – the most recent year of complete crash data – 2,636 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver. Many of these fatalities occurred during the summer months, underscoring the importance of using this time to promote safer driving habits.

Without continued guidance, new drivers may struggle with:

• Navigating high-traffic roads and unfamiliar routes
• Driving at night or in severe weather
• Managing distractions, especially with teen passengers in the car
• Responding to unexpected hazards or emergencies

“Experience builds over time, but the early stages matter most,” Woodland said. “The simple choices teens make every time they get behind the wheel can help keep them and everyone around them safe.”

What Parents Should Focus on Now

AAA encourages families to stay actively involved, even after teens earn their license. Simple steps can make a meaningful difference in safety:

• Keep practicing. Continue supervised driving in a variety of conditions, including at night and on busy roads.
• Set clear expectations. Establish rules that limit other teen passengers, nighttime driving, and phone use through a parent-teen driving agreement.
• Reinforce defensive driving. Encourage teens to stay alert, anticipate other drivers’ actions, and adjust speed based on conditions.
• Lead by example. Teens are more likely to adopt safe habits when they see them modeled at home.

Summer travel and celebrations can also increase the risk of impaired driving. According to AAA crash data analysis, nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involves an impaired driver. AAA, in partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, reminds anyone who plans to drink or use impairing substances to arrange a sober ride before going out.

Prepare Teens for the Unexpected

AAA says preparation should extend beyond basic driving skills. New drivers should be ready to handle real-world situations with confidence.

Teens should know how to:

• Safely pull over and assess a situation
• Contact a parent or emergency services when needed
• Handle minor crashes or breakdowns
• Access roadside assistance

Having a plan in place can help reduce panic and improve decision-making in stressful situations.

Don’t Overlook Insurance and Protection

Adding a teen driver introduces new financial risks as well. AAA encourages families to review their auto insurance coverage before teens begin driving regularly on their own.

“Insurance is part of preparing a new driver, not something to think about after an incident,” Woodland said. “Making sure your coverage matches your household’s needs can help prevent costly surprises later.”

AAA Resources to Support New Drivers

AAA offers tools to help teens build skills and confidence behind the wheel:

• How to Drive Online: A self-paced course with interactive lessons designed to prepare teens for real-world driving situations.
• AAA Approved Driving School Network: Connects families with high-quality driving schools that meet AAA standards.

“These resources are designed to give families extra support during the learning process,” Woodland said. “The more exposure teens have to different driving scenarios, the better prepared they’ll be when they’re on their own.”

A Defining Summer for New Drivers

AAA reminds families that summer is not just a time of increased driving, it’s an opportunity to build a strong foundation for safe habits.

“This is a defining moment for new drivers,” Woodland said. “By focusing on smart, simple choices behind the wheel, families can make this a summer of safe driving that sets teens up for success for years to come.”

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.