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May Through September, Tips for Staying Safe During the 100 Deadliest Days on the Road

Traffic volume increases significantly on America’s roads during the summer months. A higher number of cars sharing the road increases the risk for traffic accidents, hence the need to take extra precautions.
Statistical Data on Summer Traffic Accidents
There is ample evidence suggesting the roads are more dangerous in Ohio during summer than in other seasons. Safety officials in Ohio characterized the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” due to the spike in car crashes that inevitably occurs during this time.[1] According to an Ohio Traffic Safety Bulletin:[2]

Ohio recorded 74,961 car crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2021. Among those incidents, 400 crashes produced fatalities, with a total of 434 fatalities recorded. One-third of all fatal crashes in Ohio in 2021 occurred in the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Some Ohio counties are at especially high risk for car crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer. For example, 38% of all crashes occurring during this period occurred in the following counties: Cuyahoga (8,955 crashes), Hamilton (8,586), Franklin (6,687), and Lucas (4,070).

Motorcyclists are at particularly high risk during the summer. In 2021, nearly half of all motorcycle-involved accidents occurred between Memorial Day and Labor Day. And while motorcycle crashes in Ohio only comprise about 3% of all crashes during summer, they comprise about 32% of all fatal crashes.

Summer is also a season in which motorists seem to take unnecessary risks. During the summer of 2021, Ohio State Troopers made 5,421 arrests for under-the-influence driving. Troopers issued nearly 33,000 citations for motorists traveling 20mph or more over the speed limit. More than 1,500 citations were for motorists traveling at speeds of 100mph or more.

The data is clear; motorists must take additional precautions during summer.
Tips for Safe Travel on Ohio’s Roads
Summer months and more cars on the road create a need for additional precautions:

Increase following distance. Increasing the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you can offset the dangers brought on by heavier traffic on the road, construction zones, lane closures, and vacationing drivers who may be traveling in an unfamiliar area.

Protect your eyes. Driving involves some eye strain, but this is especially true during summer. The increased glare from the road and other cars add visual fatigue, which makes spotting driving hazards more difficult. Invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses to reduce fatigue, cut down glare, and make it easier to see clearly.

Be aware of the heat. Heat exhaustion makes drivers drowsy, and constant sun exposure (even through a vehicle’s tinted windows) can exacerbate fatigue. Drivers should be aware of this to ensure they protect themselves from excessive exposure to heat and be wary of other drivers who may be struggling with heat exhaustion.

If an accident occurs during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, it’s important to have a personal injury attorney to represent you. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, call NRS Injury Law today at (855) 468-4878.

Sources:

[1] DPS. “Crash Reports.” Ohio Department of Public Safety, 2022. publicsafety.ohio.gov

[2]. State Patrol. “Traffic Safety Bulletin.” Ohio State Police, 2022. statepatrol.ohio.gov

category: Auto Accidents


Disclaimer: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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