'100 Deadliest Days' returns for teen drivers across Western New York

Williamsville, N.Y. (WBEN) - Memorial Day Weekend is, once again, set to be one of the busiest travel weekends of the year across the nation, but it carries more significance as the start of the "100 Deadliest Days" for teen drivers.

The “100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that AAA has identified when fatal accidents involving teen drivers increase dramatically.

According to New York State Police statistics, not counting any other agency, from 2023-to-2025, there has been a 22% increase in motor vehicle fatal collisions. When broken down further just in the "100 Deadliest Days", there has been a 13% increase in DWI arrests, a 13% increase in distracted driving tickets issued, and a 7% increase in speeding tickets issued. Trooper James O'Callaghan continues to sound the alarm on these rising trends.

"I can stand here all day and tell you how dangerous it is to do any one of those three things, or combine one of those three things, and you're more likely to get into a collision," said O'Callaghan on Wednesday.

"If you're driving distracted, you're 23% likely to get into a collision greater than if you were just driving normal. Our teens, I know, grew up with a phone in their hand. The problem is they have to separate that lifestyle with being behind the wheel. It is imperative."

O'Callaghan says it is important for that message to come across clear and concise not just from law enforcement and other agencies, but more importantly from parents and guardians of teen drivers.

"No one standing behind me, including troopers and deputies, want to knock at your door to tell you your teen is never coming home because of a foolish collision or something that could have been completely avoided. That is why we're here," he said.

"Teens, they'll live forever in their mind. That's not even a contemplation. They're swinging the keys around their finger, they're happy-go-lucky, school's about to end, college is just ending. All their friends are looking forward to all those little venues, in-and-around concerts, hanging out, going to volleyball. That's their world. You have to get, as a parent, in that world and still be relatable and talk about, 'You could leave our driveway and get hit by somebody that's driving distracted. You could be the cause of hitting somebody while in mom and dad's car and mom and dad's insurance, and cause someone to lose their life or vice versa, or get hurt. These are the important conversations you really have to have."

For Cpt. Robert Sloier with the Erie County Sheriff's Office, awareness is critical for any driver during these "100 Deadliest Days".

"Keep your head on a swivel, keep your eyes and ears open. Expect the unexpected," said Sloier on Wednesday. "Be aware that a dirt bike, e-bike, or anything else could enter the roadway at any time with little notice. Safe driving requires complete attention to the roadway, and to the people sharing it with you. That means remaining vigilant and avoiding distractions behind the wheel."

Sloier adds distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable crashes in the country.

"Distractions can include cell phones, entertainment systems, and eating while driving. Every year, approximately 3,000 people lose their lives because of distracted driving, and another 300,000 are injured. These are preventable tragedies," he added. "With the increased number of pedestrians, bicyclists, and e-bike riders on the roads, drivers must remain fully focused every time they get behind the wheel. Safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility, and a moment of attention can save a life."