As Memorial Day approaches, private fleets across the country are entering the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when roadway congestion, travel activity, and crash risks historically increase. And while the spike in risk is often associated with younger or distracted drivers, fleet managers and heavy-duty truck drivers face the ripple effects every single day on the road.
For organizations with transportation fleets, the summer months create additional safety challenges that require increased awareness and preparation. Heavier than normal vehicle traffic, work zones, distracted driving, extreme temperatures, and tighter schedules can all contribute to elevated risk exposure for operations.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS), there were 170,745 commercial motor vehicle (CMV)-related crashes and 4,822 fatalities reported in 2024. While final 2025 crash totals have not yet been released, transportation safety agencies continue emphasizing the importance of defensive driving, speed management, and preventive maintenance during peak summer travel months.
Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues identifying distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving as major contributors to serious roadway crashes nationwide, while the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) notes that summer travel months consistently produce some of the highest roadway traffic volumes of the year.
Keeping drivers and equipment safe takes a constant, proactive effort from every level. Here are a few ways organizations can help protect their drivers, trucks, and everyone sharing the road.
Reinforce Defensive Driving Practices - Summer traffic often brings more unpredictable vehicle behavior around commercial trucks, including unsafe lane changes, speeding, and distracted driving. Fleet Managers should continue reinforcing defensive driving practices with drivers including maintaining proper space between vehicles, staying aware of surrounding traffic conditions, and anticipating unpredictable driving behaviors from passenger vehicles.
Preventive Maintenance Is Key - Extreme summer temperatures can place additional stress on heavy-duty trucks, increasing the likelihood of tire failures, cooling system issues, and roadside breakdowns. Preventive maintenance inspections should focus on:
- Tire pressure and tread wear
- Brake system performance
- Cooling systems and engine temperatures
- Battery and electrical system health
Stay Alert in Construction Zones - Summer months often bring an increase in roadway construction activity, creating additional hazards for heavy-duty fleet operations. Construction zones can include reduced speed limits, shifting traffic patterns, narrowed lanes, and workers operating close to active traffic. To help mitigate risk, fleets should encourage drivers to:
- Maintain safe following distances around work crews and equipment
- Stay alert to overnight traffic pattern changes in construction zones
- Reduce speeds and remain patient in congested work zones
- Pay close attention to posted signage and road crew flaggers, as violations can lead to citations and increased safety risks
Watch for Activity Around School Zones and Recreational Area- Even during the summer months, many schools continue operating summer programs and activities that keep school zones active. Drivers should remain alert in these areas, particularly near playgrounds, parks, and recreational facilities where children may be present.
Drivers should also exercise caution around unfamiliar motorists, including vacation travelers or vehicles overloaded with luggage or recreational equipment, as these drivers may make sudden stops, lane changes, or other unpredictable maneuvers.
Monitor Driver Fatigue and Leverage Technology - Longer daylight hours and increased routes can contribute to fatigue-related risks during the summer months. Fleets should continue emphasizing Hours-of-Service compliance, realistic route planning, and proper rest periods for drivers. At the same time, many organizations continue utilizing telematics to proactively identify risky driving behaviors before incidents occur. Monitoring speeding events, harsh braking, and following distance trends can help strengthen overall fleet safety performance.
Staying Proactive This Summer - The “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” serves as an important reminder that summer driving conditions can create additional challenges for heavy-duty fleet operations. Preparation goes beyond compliance, it is an opportunity to strengthen driver safety programs, prioritize preventive maintenance, and leverage technology to help reduce operational risk during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Additional information on summer driving safety and enforcement initiatives can be found through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
