Patrol Reminds Drivers to Wear Safety Belts this Thanksgiving Holiday

COLUMBUS – In anticipation of increased traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to buckle up every trip, every time. Properly wearing a safety belt is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. In addition, remember to follow all traffic laws and not drive impaired.

Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 17 people were killed in 15 fatal crashes on Ohio’s roadways. Seven of the 17 fatalities, 41 percent, were the result of an impaired driver. That is why troopers will be out in full force this weekend, looking for and removing these dangerous drivers from our roadways.

AAA predicts more than 46 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday. The Patrol expects traffic to increase Wednesday afternoon and is urging motorists to contribute to highway safety by planning ahead for possible delays and making safety their first priority.

“Help keep the holiday safe for you, your family and your fellow motorists by remembering to buckle up, obeying traffic laws and never driving impaired,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “You can also help save lives by reporting unsafe and aggressive drivers to law enforcement.”

Troopers recommend that motorists contact the Patrol by calling #677 to report drug activity or impaired drivers.