Ohio patrol reports lowest traffic fatalities over Memorial Day weekend in 18 years

Provisional data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is reporting six traffic fatalities over the four-day Memorial Day Weekend, the lowest number in 18 years. This year’s reporting period began on Friday, May 22 and continued through Monday, May 25.

Officials said during the reporting period, troopers made 16,490 traffic enforcement contacts, including 355 impaired driving arrests, 66 drug arrests and 2,090 safety belt citations. In addition, the Patrol made 9,179 non-enforcement contacts, including 1,647 motorist assists.

The historically low traffic fatality numbers recorded over Memorial Day Weekend comes one week after the OSHP conducted its first-ever statewide enforcement initiative to deter and intercept impaired drivers.

The coordinated operation, supported by local Patrol posts, more than 100 local law enforcement agencies and the Ohio Department of Transportation, resulted in over 18,500 vehicle checks, 158 impaired driving arrests and four felony arrests. Of those impaired driving arrests, 51 were arrested while traveling through a checkpoint location. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources had heightened OVI enforcement on water and land over the three-day period.

In addition to the statewide enforcement efforts, troopers and partnering agencies focused on educating the public and raising awareness about the dangers of driving impaired. Both troopers and Mothers Against Drunk Driving victim advocates reminded motorists that driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is completely preventable and that designating a sober driver, or using a rideshare service, is always the safest choice.

Officials said motorists are reminded that roadway safety is a shared responsibility and are encouraged to call #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.