COLUMBUS, Ohio (ADAMS) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting eleven roadway fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday period.
That is the same number of people who died in crashes during the same Wednesday through Sunday timeframe last year.
At least two of the fatal wrecks involved drivers who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to OSHP. Troopers also arrested about 280 people for impaired driving over the holiday.
OSHP put out the following:
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports 11 deaths in eight fatal crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday reporting period, which began at midnight on Wednesday, November 26 and concluded at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30.
According to preliminary Patrol statistics, at least two of the eight fatal crashes recorded during the reporting period were OVI-related. In a continued effort to lower that number to zero, troopers made 281 arrests for impaired driving and 38 for drug-related charges.
In the fatalities where a safety belt was available, three were unbelted. Although Ohio’s safety belt law remains a secondary violation, troopers continue to have zero tolerance during the holiday reporting period when motorists were stopped for a violation and found to not being wearing a safety belt. Throughout this five-day reporting period, troopers issued 462 safety belt citations.
Additionally, troopers responded to 766 crashes, issued 287 citations for distracted driving and provided assistance to 1,572 motorists.
Motorists are encouraged to contribute to a safer Ohio by safely calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving on Ohio roadways.
See below for additional statistics:
OSHP says efforts will continue to remove impaired drivers from roadways during the holiday season.
The following was released:
As friends and families gather and winter celebrations fill the calendar, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is reminding drivers of the dangers of driving impaired and sharing safety tips to ensure a safe holiday season.
“As we gather with loved ones for winter celebrations, it’s important to remember that impaired driving has no place on Ohio’s roads,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage every driver to make a plan for a sober ride home.”
December is historically one of the deadliest months on Ohio’s roads due to an uptick in impaired driving. That is why the Patrol is intensifying enforcement efforts this month and has zero tolerance for drivers operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs or a combination of both.
Since 2020, there have been 69,061 crashes on Ohio roadways where alcohol and/or drugs played a factor. Those crashes have resulted in 3,896 deaths, which accounts for approximately 54% of all motor vehicle deaths.
As you can see, the data consistently shows that impaired driving remains a leading factor in serious and fatal crashes during the holiday season. The OSHP is asking every driver to take personal responsibility to reduce these numbers by:
Designating a sober driver: Before your celebration begins, establish a sober driver. If plans change, call a friend or rideshare service. Never assume you are safe to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Knowing the different types of impairment: Troopers are not just looking for those impaired by alcohol. They are specifically trained to detect impairment from marijuana and other drugs that negatively impact driving ability.
Knowing the consequences: An OVI conviction carries penalties, including the potential for jail time, heavy fines and license suspension. These consequences seem severe but are minor compared to carrying the lifelong burden of taking someone’s life in a crash.
“Every driver needs to make the conscious choice to promote roadway safety,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “That means designating a sober driver before the first drink, understanding that impairment isn’t just limited to alcohol and realizing the consequences of driving impaired.”
According to Patrol statistics, troopers have issued nearly 95,000 OVI-related citations since the beginning of 2020. Nearly one quarter of those citations have involved a motorist impaired by marijuana and/or other drugs.
Let’s work together to ensure this holiday season is safe for everyone. Remember, driving impaired is never worth the risk. Motorists play a vital role in traffic safety and are encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired driving, drug activity or reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
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