The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to prioritize safety this Labor Day weekend.
Troopers will be out in force, focusing on removing impaired drivers from roadways. The holiday weekend enforcement period continues through Monday, Sept. 2, until 11:59 p.m.
Last year, during the 2023 Labor Day weekend saw 23 fatal crashes statewide resulting in 24 deaths. Of those, 16 of those crashes and 17 fatalities involved alcohol or drugs. Of the 11 fatalities where seatbelts were available, 10 victims were not wearing them. Additionally, seven motorcyclists, three pedestrians, two ATV drivers, and a bicyclist were killed. The patrol also made 417 OVI arrests during this period.
Locally, in Logan County, the highway patrol has recorded four fatal crashes this year, with two involving impaired driving. There were eight fatal crashes in both 2023 and 2022, with impaired driving contributing to four fatalities in 2023 and three in 2022.
So far in 2024, troopers have made 757 enforcement stops in Logan County, up from 702 in 2023.
Troopers have also investigated 140 crashes this year, nearly double the 80 crashes in 2023. OVI enforcement has more than doubled, with 22 arrests in 2024 compared to 9 in 2023. There has been an increase in driving under suspension enforcement, with 45 cases this year compared to 37 last year, seatbelt enforcement with 70 cases compared to 59, and distracted driving violations with 14 cases compared to just 1 last year.
Motorists are encouraged to dial #677 to report impaired drivers and drug activity on Ohio’s roadways. By working together, we can help ensure a safe holiday weekend for everyone.
