Warning for teen drivers during '100 Deadliest Days'

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – As Memorial Day weekend comes to a close, many will be heading to the roads to return home. But everyone should be aware that the end of the holidays marks the start of the deadliest 100 days of summer.

According to the Ohio Office of Highway Safety, young drivers under the age of 24 in Ohio make up only 13 percent of licensed drivers. Yet they are involved in 31% of all accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Several agencies are reminding not only teen drivers, but drivers in general, to be safer on the roads this summer.

“Six out of 10 crashes involving a teen driver involve distraction,” said Don Redmond, AAA spokesman.

This period between Memorial Day and Labor Day historically accounts for more than a third of all fatal accidents.

Statistics point to accidents involving young people. According to the Ohio Office of Highway Safety, in 2023 there were 102 fatal crashes involving youth in Ohio. This represents at least one death per day.

“Teen passengers are the number one distraction for teen drivers. And particularly for men. Men generally want to show off,” Redmond said.

It's important to have a conversation with your teen about responsible driving behaviors so they can get on the road and arrive at their destination safely.

“It’s important for parents to draw the line and expect better behavior from their children. Even if the parent is not there, they have to be able to trust them,” Redmond said.

It also means making sure to adopt positive driving habits, as a teenager's first driving experience comes from observing their parents.

“If we speed, all of this bad behavior doesn't happen in a vacuum. Someone is watching you. And that’s usually your teenage driver,” Redmond said.

Last year, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 24 fatal crashes that resulted in 26 deaths over Memorial Day weekend.

Report suspicious or dangerous activity on Ohio roadways by calling #677.