COLUMBUS, Ohio (ADAMS) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is asking all motorists to do their part in promoting roadway safety during what has been characterized by safety officials as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.
This time period, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, sees an increase in traffic on the roads and an increased number of both serious-injury and fatal crashes.
“Data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol shows a direct connection between rising summer temperatures and an uptick in vehicle crashes,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage everyone to do their part in promoting safety by buckling up and never driving distracted.”
OSHP released the following:
The increased risk of serious-injury and fatal crashes during this time of year is attributed to several factors, including increased driving time, increased distractions and driver inexperience.
Increased driving time – School is out and teens have more unstructured time, which leads to more driving, often times with friends in the vehicle.
Increased distractions – Distracted driving, including phone use and multiple passengers being in the vehicle, increase the risk of a serious crash.
Driver inexperience – Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a crash due to their inexperience.
This time period also encompasses the primary motorcycle riding months. According to Patrol statistics, more than half of all motorcycle-involved crashes last year occurred during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.
During this time period last year, a total of 67,847 crashes occurred on Ohio’s roadways, including 351 fatal crashes. Those fatal crashes resulted in 384 deaths.
“With more vehicles on the road in the summer, there is a greater responsibility for every driver to use caution when behind the wheel,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “By staying focused and driving sober, you can help prevent tragedies before they can occur.”
Similar to a year ago, troopers will be highly visible on roadways across the state promoting traffic safety for all those who live in and travel through Ohio. In 2025, troopers made 4,596 OVI arrests, issued 18,259 seat belt citations and cited 7,567 motorists for driving with a suspended license during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.
Additional information regarding Ohio crashes statistics is available on the Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) dashboard. That dashboard can be located here.
The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.
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