COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) — The Ohio State Highway Patrol says 18 people were killed in 18 fatal crashes across the state during the Independence Day holiday reporting period, a significant increase from last year.
During the 2025 July Fourth holiday weekend, seven fatal crashes claimed the lives of 10 people.
According to the patrol, five of this year's fatal crashes involved motorcyclists. Three of those riders were not wearing helmets.
Between Thursday and Sunday, troopers investigated 575 crashes statewide and removed 387 impaired drivers from Ohio roads. They also issued more than 1,700 distracted driving citations and more than 2,100 seat belt violation tickets as part of holiday enforcement efforts.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to remind motorists to drive responsibly, avoid impaired driving, eliminate distractions and always wear a seat belt to help prevent serious and fatal crashes.
