The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to buckle up and drive sober during the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Troopers across the state will conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement beginning at midnight Friday, May 22, through Monday night, May 25.
“Memorial Day weekend is a time to honor the service members who gave their lives for our country, but we know it is also widely considered a celebration of the beginning of summer,” said Mike DeWine. “No matter how you plan to recognize the holiday, I encourage you to celebrate responsibly so that everyone can reach their destinations safely.”
As motorists travel throughout the weekend, patrol officials are reminding drivers to wear seat belts and designate a sober driver before attending holiday gatherings.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person is killed every 44 minutes nationwide in a drunk-driving crash.
During last year’s Memorial Day reporting period, the highway patrol investigated 13 fatal crashes on Ohio roadways that resulted in 14 deaths.
Officials say alcohol and/or drugs were factors in nine of those crashes, leading to 10 fatalities.
“These numbers should be a reminder to everyone that many of the tragedies on our roads are preventable,” said Colonel Charles Jones, superintendent of the patrol. “Making the decision to wear your safety belt, stay focused and never drive impaired could save your life or the lives of others.”
According to patrol statistics, troopers made 417 impaired driving arrests during last year’s Memorial Day reporting period.
Officials say drivers should expect increased patrols on highways and local roads throughout the holiday weekend.
