MOUNT GILEAD – The time period from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend is referred to as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive buckled, focused and sober.
Last year, 452 fatal crashes killed 478 people during this time period. From 2016 to 2019, this number was on the decline. In 2020, the number jumped by more than one-third. These 100 days represent only 27% of the calendar year, but they account for more than one-third of all fatal traffic crashes and deaths. Operating a vehicle while impaired and speeding significantly contributed to those crashes. In fact, during this time period, 59% of all fatal crashes were OVI-related and 31% were speed-related.
“Protect yourself and others on the road by committing to safe driving habits such as driving sober, obeying the speed limit and not driving distracted,” Col. Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent, said. “The safety of everyone using our roads is our primary concern.”
The 100 days also encompass the primary motorcycle-riding months. Last year, 60% of all motorcycle-related crashes and 28% of motorcycle fatalities occurred during this time frame.
You can help contribute to roadway safety by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.
A statistical map detailing citations and other motorcycle-related information can be found at statepatrol.ohio.gov/links/100DeadliestDays_ Bulletin_2021.pdf.
