OHIO, USA — Memorial Day means the start of the 100 deadliest days of summer.
That's the time frame from Memorial Day to Labor Day when the Ohio State Highway Patrol said more people and crashes are out on our roadways.
OSHP said people are going on vacations and traveling this time of year and more motorcycles will also be out on our roadways as well.
"It’s just about being cautious with things in our control," Sgt. Ryan Purpura with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said. "Do those things like wearing a safety belt, having designated sober drivers and putting distractions down."
Last year in northwest Ohio, OSHP recorded 9,909 crashes on our roadways during the 100 deadliest days.
According to troopers, there were 67,305 crashes statewide and 371 fatal crashes in which 397 people died.
Over the past five years, about 1/3 of all Ohio fatal crashes occurred during these 100-day periods.
OSHP is making it a priority to spread awareness and safety tips during this time in hopes of saving lives.
Troopers with OSHP also said it's a good time to teach your teens to obey the traffic laws. As they leave school for the summer, OSHP suggests parents give reminders to avoid driving distracted, driving impaired and speeding.
"For our teen drivers, it’s important any time they get behind the wheel to really pay attention when they are driving. While they are just getting started driving, we truly ask that they just focus on driving itself," Purpura said. "It’s important for people, their parents, their family to just have a conversation with them about getting behind the wheel. It is a huge responsibility and it’s not something you should take lightly."
OSHP said the best way to stay safe during this time is to make arrangements to drive safely and map out your travel.