Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated 15 fatal traffic crashes that killed 16 people during the Fourth of July holiday.
The July 4 reporting period began Wednesday, July 3, at Midnight and ended Sunday, July 7, at 11:59 p.m.
In nine of the fatalities in which safety belts were available, seven were unbelted.
Throughout the holiday reporting period, troopers issued nearly 3,000 safety belts and child safety seat citations. Troopers also made 438 arrests for impaired driving and 72 for drug-related charges.
Additionally, 1,368 citations were issued for distracted driving. The Patrol responded to 648 crashes and made 34,209 traffic contacts in total. Troopers also provided assistance to 2,449 motorists.
In 2023, a total of 11 fatalities were reported by the Ohio troopers.
Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.
