Memorial Day Driving Trends: Speeding Rebounds Sharply as Summer Travel Begins

Memorial Day marks more than the unofficial start of summer travel – it also marks the beginning of the “100 Days of Summer,” the most dangerous time on U.S. roads. As millions of Americans take to the highways for vacations and long weekends, crash rates and fatalities historically rise.

Memorial Day also serves a deeper purpose. It’s a time to honor and remember the service members who gave their lives for our country. As we reflect on that sacrifice, it’s also a moment to consider the role each of us plays in keeping others safe. Making responsible choices behind the wheel, such as slowing down, staying focused, and driving carefully, is one way we can avoid adding to the weight of this solemn holiday.

Last year alone, 45.1 million Americans were expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday weekend, according to AAA, with most choosing to drive. More drivers mean more congestion and more risk.

At Verra Mobility, we analyzed data from hundreds of communities across the U.S. to understand driving patterns around the holiday weekend. The takeaway: speeding is rising again after a brief dip in 2024, while red-light violations continue to decline.

Speeding Surges After 2024 Decline

After a drop in 2024, speeding violations increased significantly over Memorial Day weekend in 2025, rising 28% from 2024 to 2025 and 18% from 2023 to 2025, making 2025 the highest Memorial Day speeding level in the past several years.

This rebound suggests that while driver behavior briefly improved in 2024, those gains did not hold. As travel volumes rise, risky driving habits appear to be returning as well.

Extreme Speeding Also Climbs

Even more concerning is the rise in high-speed violations (20+ MPH over the limit). The data shows that extreme speeding increased 26% year-over-year, but 2025 levels exceeded the 2023 baseline.

High-speed driving significantly increases crash severity and fatality risk, making this trend an important metric for evaluating road safety.

Sundays Remain the Most Dangerous Day for Speeding

Across all three years, one pattern remains consistent: most speeding violations occur on Sunday, and the fewest occur on Friday.

This aligns with broader travel patterns, as many drivers return home at the end of the long weekend, often encountering congestion, fatigue, and time pressures.

Red-Light Violations Continue to Decline

While speeding is trending in the wrong direction, there is a positive story around the decrease in red-light running violations, which have steadily decreased year over year, with data showing a 10% reduction since 2023 and no reversals.

Unlike speed violations, most Memorial Day weekend red-light violations occurred on Fridays, and the fewest occurred on Mondays.

Safe Driving Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

As you hit the road, a few small choices can make a big difference:

• Slow down – speed increases both crash risk and severity.
• Give yourself extra time – rushing leads to risky decisions.
• Stay alert on Sunday – the return trip is the most dangerous.
• Put distractions away – focus is critical in heavy traffic.

For many, the start of summer is a time to travel and relax, but it’s also a critical moment for road safety. By slowing down and staying alert, drivers can help reverse rising speeding trends and make the roads safer for everyone, honoring the spirit of Memorial Day in the process.