COLUMBUS, Ohio — The 100 deadliest days of summer, which covers the time between Memorial and Labor days, has begun. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average number of teen crashes increases dramatically during this time.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that Franklin County is one of the top five counties to see the most fatal crashes during this time involving teens. Troopers are taking this time to encourage young people to pay more attention while they're on the road.
According to the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, in 2023, there were more than 100 fatal youth-related crashes in Ohio between Memorial and Labor days.
The AAA Foundation's research found that nearly two-thirds of people injured or killed in a crash involving a teen driver are people other than the teens behind the wheel. The foundation recommends avoiding reckless behaviors behind the wheel including speeding, driving distracted, putting your phones away and not drinking and driving.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Tyler Ross said on Memorial Day last year, the state saw 24 fatal crashes that killed 26 people.
OSHP reports that over the past five years, about one-third of the fatal crashes have happened over these 100-day periods. Young drivers in Ohio under 24 are involved in just over 30% of all crashes, but only make up about 13% of licensed drivers.
Ross said people need to pay attention to the road and not to drive recklessly.
"We wrote over 1,200 tickets during those 100 deadliest days last year that were over 100 miles an hour. That's way too fast," Ross said.
To help keep you safe during this time AAA recommends having conversations with your kids before they get their permit and license.