Road fatalities in Ohio remain consistent for this past Memorial Day weekend.
According to State Highway Patrol, there were 15 deaths reported on Ohio roadways between Friday and Memorial Day. That is the same number of traffic deaths in 2016 and 2017 that happened over the Memorial Day weekend. Two of the people killed were not wearing their seatbelts and there was drinking involved in two other crashes. Statewide, 787 OVI arrests were made, and 490 drug arrests. Over 8,200 seat belt citations were issued during the four day holiday weekend.
So far in 2018, there have been 380 confirmed fatalities on Ohio roads, which is a 4% decrease from the same time period last year.
Media Release from Ohio State Highway Patrol
Patrol reports 15 deaths during Memorial Day weekend
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting 15 deaths on Ohio roadways during the 2018 Memorial Day weekend according to provisional statistics. There were 15 traffic deaths during the 2016 and 2017 Memorial Day weekends. Two of this year’s fatalities were the result of not wearing a seat belt when available and two were OVI-related. The four-day reporting period began Friday, May 25 and ran through Monday, May 28.
State Troopers made 36,582 traffic enforcement contacts; including 787 OVI arrests, 490 drug arrests, 8,242 safety belt citations. In addition, the Patrol made 17,905 non-enforcement contacts including 4,077 motorist assists.
“We take enforcing traffic laws seriously, and troopers were highly visible this weekend to encourage safety,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “We thank everyone who slowed down, buckled up and designated sober drivers this weekend. We ask that you do the same every time you get behind the wheel.”
Year to date, there have been 380 confirmed fatalities on Ohio’s roads; a 4 percent decrease over the same time last year. Roadway safety is a shared responsibility; everyone can contribute to making our roadways safer by following traffic laws, wearing safety belts and driving sober.
