The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported 11 deaths in eight fatal crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday reporting period, which began at midnight on Wednesday, November 26, and ended Sunday night, November 30.
According to preliminary data, at least two of the eight fatal crashes were related to impaired driving.
Troopers say the numbers reinforce the importance of safety and responsible decisions during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
In an ongoing effort to reduce fatalities, troopers made 281 impaired driving arrests during the five-day reporting period, along with 38 drug-related arrests.
Of the fatalities in which a seat belt was available, three victims were not wearing one.
While Ohio’s seat belt law is a secondary offense, the Patrol maintains a zero-tolerance approach during holiday travel periods.
Troopers issued 462 seat belt citations over the weekend.
Statewide, troopers responded to 766 crashes, issued 287 distracted driving citations, and provided assistance to more than 1,500 motorists.
The Patrol is urging Ohioans to help keep roads safe by reporting impaired or dangerous drivers.
Motorists can safely dial #677 to alert authorities to drug activity or unsafe driving behavior.
OSHP says its goal remains the same every holiday season: reduce crashes, prevent impaired driving, and ensure every Ohioan gets home safely.
See below for additional statistics:
