Ohio officials warn of 100 deadliest summer days for teen drivers

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The 100 deadliest days of summer, covering the period between Memorial and Labor Day, have begun. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average number of crashes involving teens increases significantly during this time.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that Franklin County is one of the five counties most affected by crashes involving teens during this time. The police are taking this opportunity to encourage young people to be more careful when they are on the road.

According to the Ohio Office of Highway Safety, in 2023 there were more than 100 youth-related fatal crashes in Ohio between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Research from the AAA Foundation found that nearly two-thirds of people injured or killed in crashes involving a teen driver are people other than the teen drivers. The foundation recommends avoiding reckless driving behaviors, including speeding, distracted driving, putting your phone away and drinking and driving.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Tyler Ross said that on Memorial Day last year, the state saw 24 fatal crashes that killed 26 people.

OSHP reports that over the past five years, about a third of fatal crashes occurred during these 100-day periods. In Ohio, young drivers under the age of 24 are involved in just over 30% of all crashes, but represent only about 13% of licensed drivers.

Ross said people need to pay attention to the road and not drive recklessly.

“We wrote over 1,200 tickets in the deadliest 100 days of last year, going over 100 miles an hour. That's way too fast,” Ross said.

To ensure your safety during this time, AAA recommends having conversations with your children before they obtain their permit and license.

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