COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) – Ten people lost their lives on Ohio roads over the holiday weekend, and a majority of them were not wearing seat belts.
In the seven fatal crashes where safety belts were available, only one was wearing a seat belt. Two of the victims were pedestrians.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reporting period began July 3rd and ran through July 6th. Troopers issued nearly 2,300 citations for seat belt or child safety seat violations. They also arrested over 400 individuals for driving under the influence, and 73 people were charged with drug-related offenses.
The 10 people killed in 2025, is down from the 18 in 2024, 12 in 2023, and 16 in 2022.
If motorists see reckless or impaired driving or drug activity they are asked to call #677.
Media Release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting 10 people lost their lives in 10 traffic crashes during the July Fourth reporting period, which began Thursday, July 3 at midnight and ended Sunday, July 6 at 11:59 p.m.
In seven of the fatalities in which safety belts were available, six were unbelted (86%). Ohio’s safety belt law remains a secondary violation; however, troopers continued to have zero tolerance during the holiday reporting period when motorists were stopped for other violations and were found not wearing their safety belt. Throughout the holiday reporting period, troopers issued 2,286 safety belt and child safety seat citations.
Troopers also made 404 arrests for impaired driving and 73 for drug-related charges. The Patrol responded to 482 crashes and made 30,403 traffic contacts in total. Troopers also provided assistance to 2,012 motorists.
A statewide breakdown of enforcement and crashes during the Fourth of July holiday reporting period can be found below.
Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired or reckless drivers and drug activity.
