The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminded drivers to wear their seatbelts and, most importantly, drive sober for Memorial Day as more state troopers would patrol the highways.
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“During the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be highly visible on Ohio’s roadways promoting traffic safety,” a spokesperson for the department said.
As drivers trekked through the state and out nationwide, they were reminded to wear their safety belts and designate a responsible sober driver to prevent being ticketed or a possible deadly crash.
State troopers were expected to patrol the highways in greater numbers beginning midnight on Friday, May 26, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 29.
Residents were warned to remain safe on the road after last year’s list of deadly crashes.
18 people were killed in 15 deadly crashes during the Memorial Day weekend. Of those deaths, six crashes and seven fatalities were OVI-related—or involving a driver under the influence. Furthermore, the people who died in the crashes were all unbelted.
Half of the eight motorcyclists who died were not wearing a helmet.
Five pedestrians were also killed in these crashes.
“Memorial Day weekend is always a fun time to be in Ohio, but if you’re traveling our roadways, I urge you to make responsible decisions,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “Buckling up and driving sober are essential to ensuring everyone on our roads is safe this holiday and all summer.”
“Too many times our troopers see tragic loss of life on our roadways due to irresponsible decisions,” Colonel Charles A. Jones said. “Before heading out, make a plan, designate a sober driver and buckle up.”
The Ohio State Highway Patrol worked with various policing agencies to increase their visibilities on the highways and continue the 6-State Trooper Project.
You can help contribute to a safer Ohio by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.
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