Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles Jones, and Ohio Traffic Safety Office Director Emily Davidson are reminding motorists to make safe choices behind the wheel as Ohio enters what is commonly known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.”
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day typically sees increased traffic volume and a rise in serious injury and fatal crashes across the state.
“Data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol shows a direct connection between rising summer temperatures and an uptick in vehicle crashes,” said Governor DeWine. “I encourage everyone to do their part in promoting safety by buckling up and never driving distracted.”
Last year during the 100-day period, Ohio recorded 67,847 crashes, including 351 fatal crashes that resulted in 384 deaths.
Those fatalities included 123 people who were not wearing seat belts, 104 motorcyclists, 37 pedestrians, and 28 teenagers.
State officials say several factors contribute to the increase in crashes during the summer months, including more driving by teenagers while school is out, distracted driving, and driver inexperience.
Impaired driving remains a major concern.
Throughout all of 2025, 540 fatal crashes could have been avoided if an individual had chosen not to drive impaired.
“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 Col. Jones. “By staying focused and driving sober, you can help prevent tragedies before they occur. Safety begins long before a driver gets behind the wheel. It starts with the choices an individual makes before consuming any drug that impairs their judgement, or before that first sip of alcohol.”
The summer period also encompasses Ohio’s busiest motorcycle riding months.
According to Ohio State Highway Patrol statistics, more than half of all motorcycle-involved crashes last year occurred during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. Drivers are encouraged to look twice for motorcycles before turning and to share the road safely.
Construction zones also remain a concern.
The Ohio Department of Transportation reports work zone crashes increased 11 percent in 2025.
Approximately 34 percent of all work zone crashes are caused by drivers following too closely.
Between 2021 and 2025, 103 people were killed in Ohio work zones, including seven workers and 96 drivers or passengers.
To help improve roadway safety, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will maintain a strong presence across the state throughout the summer.
During the 2025 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, troopers made 4,596 OVI arrests, issued 18,259 seat belt citations, and cited 7,567 motorists for driving with a suspended license.
The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.
