Practice safe driving habits through Labor Day

RILEY TWP. — The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are reminding all motorists to be self-aware of unsafe driving behaviors behind the wheel, such as speeding and distracted driving, as Labor Day, on Monday, marks the unofficial end of summer. "This Labor Day, we remember those who paved the way for American ingenuity and hard work," said Ferzan Ahmed, the turnpike commission's executive director. "We ask everyone to travel safely this Labor Day weekend," Ahmed added. The top risky driving behaviors to avoid, as explained by Ahmed, include speeding, distracted driving, driving while impaired or drowsy and failing to buckle up. To accommodate an increase in traffic over the Labor Day travel period, construction in work zones across the Ohio Turnpike will be limited beginning today to Tuesday. Two lanes of traffic in both the eastbound and westbound directions will remain open in work zones. An estimated 700,000 vehicle transactions will occur across the Ohio Turnpike over the Labor Day period from today through Monday, and about 40 million vehicle miles will be traveled, which is a slight increase over 2024. "Speeding in work zones is a primary cause of crashes," said Chris Matta, chief engineer and deputy executive director of the turnpike commission. "Please do your part when driving through work zones by maintaining a safe following distance, being prepared to slow down or stop, obeying the speed limit, avoiding distractions and paying close attention to the signs." The days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, "also known as the 100 deadliest days of summer," are statistically the most dangerous for motor vehicles on roadways nationwide. "All of us can help prevent roadway crashes by establishing safe and responsible driving habits," Matta said. Want to go? To promote roadway safety ahead of Labor Day, the turnpike commission partnered with the patrol and other organizations for a customer appreciation event at Erie Islands Service Plaza, milepost 100 westbound, in the Clyde area. "As drivers take to the roadways to enjoy the long holiday weekend, we urge everyone to make safety their top priority," patrol Sgt. Ryan Purpura said. "Wearing your safety belt, staying focused, driving sober and following the speed limit are simple steps we can take to make sure everyone gets home safely. The motoring public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired or reckless drivers and stranded motorists.