LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Twenty-three people were killed on Ohio roadways over the Labor Day weekend, including six in the local area. That number is up from 18 deaths statewide reported in 2024, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
According to patrol data, there were 20 fatal crashes statewide from Friday morning through Monday night. Locally, authorities reported two fatal crashes in Allen County, one in Mercer County and Darke County, and two people who died in a crash in Auglaize County. Ohio State Highway Patrol has not yet released the names of those involved in that crash.
Troopers made nearly 400 arrests for impaired driving over the holiday weekend. They also responded to 490 crashes statewide and issued more than 1,300 citations for distracted driving.
September 2, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol:
Patrol reports 23 fatalities over Labor Day weekend |
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports 23 deaths in 20 fatal crashes over the four-day Labor Day weekend reporting period, which began Friday, August 29 at midnight and concluded Monday, September 1 at 11:59 p.m.
According to preliminary Patrol statistics, at least four of the 20 fatal crashes recorded over the Labor Day weekend reporting period were OVI-related. In a continued effort to lower that number to zero, troopers made 398 arrests for impaired driving and 67 for drug-related charges.
In the fatalities in which a safety belt was available, seven 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 four-day reporting period, troopers issued 1,872 safety belt citations.
Additionally, troopers responded to 490 crashes, issued 1,308 citations for distracted driving and provided assistance to 1,568 motorists.
Motorists are encouraged to contribute to a safer Ohio by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving on Ohio roadways.
