16 people died among nearly 650 reported crashes in Ohio on Fourth of July weekend

Sixteen people died in several car crashes around the state on Fourth of July weekend.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 15 fatal traffic crashes during the July Fourth reporting period, which began July 3 and ended July 7. Additionally, 648 crashes were reported statewide during this time period.

Seven people who lost their lives were not wearing seat belts. Throughout the holiday reporting period, troopers issued nearly 3,000 safety belt and child safety seat citations.

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.

Troopers also made 438 arrests for impaired driving and 72 for drug-related charges during the reporting period. Additionally, 1,368 citations were issued for distracted driving.

Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.

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This story was originally published July 10, 2024 at 2:18 PM.