Teens most at risk during ‘100 deadliest days of summer’ on Ohio roadways

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — With Memorial Day weekend now wrapping up, many will be heading to the roadways to return home. But everyone needs to be aware the end of the holiday is the beginning of the 100 deadliest days of summer .

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

Multiple agencies are reminding not only teen drivers, but drivers in general, to be safer on roadways this summer.

“Six out of ten crashes involving a teen driver involve a distraction,” said Don Redmond, spokesperson for AAA.

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

Statistics point towards crashes involving youth. According to the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, in 2023 there were 102 fatal youth-related crashes in Ohio. That’s at least one fatality a day.

“The number one distraction for teen drivers are teen passengers. And particularly so, for males. Males usually want to show off,” said Redmond.

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

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

That also means making sure you follow positive driving habits – as a teen’s first experience of driving comes from watching their parents.

“If we are speeding, all of those bad behaviors, they don’t occur in a vacuum. Somebody is watching you. And it’s usually your teen driver,” said Redmond.

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

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

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