TAMPA, Fla. — Florida has officially entered what highway safety experts call the “100 Deadliest Days,” prompting an urgent traffic safety warning from Senator Ashley Moody.
The high-risk period, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, historically sees a sharp spike in travel and teen driving accidents. Last year during this timeframe, Florida saw more than 650 fatal crashes.
“Like so many parents across Florida, I worry about safety every time someone I love gets behind the wheel,” Senator Moody said. “During the 100 Deadliest Days, there is an increase in fatal accidents involving teen drivers. That’s why I am urging all drivers to buckle up, put away phones, and never drive under the influence. I promise our world-class beaches, vibrant vacation towns, and all the fun Florida has to offer isn’t going anywhere – so drive safe and keep others in mind while on the road.”
Data shows that fatal car crashes involving teenagers consistently climb during the summer months. Nationwide, an average of eight people die every day in teen-involved crashes over the summer, compared to seven per day throughout the rest of the year.
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Despite the seasonal spike, overall traffic safety trends show measurable progress both statewide and nationally. Florida’s total fatal crashes dropped 4% year-over-year, decreasing from 2,891 in 2024 to 2,773 in 2025.
On a national scale, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently reported that traffic deaths fell to an estimated 36,640 in 2025. That represents a 6.7% decline from 2024. Furthermore, NHTSA noted that 2025 marked the second-lowest traffic fatality rate in recorded history, sitting at 1.1 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
To maintain this downward trend, Senator Moody released several core safety recommendations for motorists this summer. Drivers are advised to silence and put away mobile devices, ensure every passenger is properly buckled or secured in an appropriate car seat, and speak directly with teenagers about safe habits behind the wheel. The advisory also emphasized the absolute necessity of never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Additional safety resources, detailed regional statistics, and real-time tracking are available to the public through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Arrive Alive Crash Dashboard.
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