Summer driving course aims to create safer roads

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Summer is considered the “100 deadliest days” of the year when it comes to car crashes.

The time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day historically accounts for more than a third of all fatal crashes. In 2023, there were 102 fatal youth-related crashes in those 100 days — approximately one fatality every day.

To create safer conditions and better prepare teens for the road, free driving classes are being offered across Ohio throughout summer.

The Ohio Traffic Safety Office hosted advanced driver training classes for teens this weekend in Dayton on July 6 and 7. The free hands-on training allowed teens to practice crash avoidance techniques and gain valuable experience to become better drivers.

Instructors with Professional Driving Systems conducted four 6.5 hour sessions throughout the weekend. The program saw a high turnout with each session completely full.

The course allowed students to get behind the wheel and learn more about preventing crashes in specific scenarios.

The OTSO will hold more free driving classes across the state until September. To learn more about resources available statewide, click here . PDS also offers courses year round — click here for more information.

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