RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Day 26 of the 100 deadliest days of summer has arrived, and Virginia State Police are joining forces with the Gweedo Memorial Foundation to launch the 100 Safest Days of Summer campaign.

Memorial Day to Labor Day is the most dangerous time on the road for teen drivers. Virginia State Police and the Gweedo Memorial Foundation say these crashes are preventable.

“Behind every critical injury and death related to a crash is a real person. Somebody’s parent, their kid, their friend, their soulmate, their teammate, and their classmate. It matters,” said Lt. Colonel Todd Taylor, director of VSP Bureau of Field Operations.

The campaign calls on families, police and lawmakers to work together to prevent tragedies and save lives.

Tammy McGee founded the Gweedo Memorial Foundation. 

The organization is named for her 16-year-old son Conner Guido, who lost his life to an underage, unlicensed driver in a car crash.

“I made a promise to Conner that his story would not end that night. That I would use my voice to save lives and preventing families from experiencing that same heartbreak,” McGee said.

Virginia DMV data shows teen crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2025 killed 35 people and injured nearly 3,500 others. Speeding was a major factor.

LifeSafer offers intelligent speed assistance technology that tracks a vehicle’s speed, compares it to the posted speed limit and automatically slows the car down before the driver can go too fast.

“By holding the driver to the speed limit while they learn how to drive would not only keep them safe for that first 12 months of time on the road, but we also instill a safe driving habit from day one,” said Michael Travars, president of LifeSafer.

McGee said speaking up can save lives.

“Together we can create safer roads, stronger communities and a future where every crash is preventable and every life matters,” she said.

Copyright 2026 WWBT. All rights reserved.