Troopers urge sober driving, seat belts this Memorial Day

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol wants motorists to drive cautiously when out during Memorial Day, as troopers tend to see an increase in traffic deaths over this weekend. Troopers and local law enforcement will join together to work towards a fatality-free holiday weekend on Ohio roads.

Seven of the 16 traffic deaths during the Memorial Day weekend in 2015 were related to impairment, equaling 44 percent. To stay safe over the weekend, the Patrol is urging motorists to never drive impaired and always designate a sober driver.

“The Patrol will do our part to keep Ohioans safe on the roadways, especially over weekends that encourage higher amounts of travel,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “We see the deadly results that follow when motorists drive impaired or decide not to buckle up. We want everyone on the road to get home safe.”

The Patrol made 546 OVI arrests during the Memorial Day weekend in 2015.

In addition, as part of the national Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization running through June 5, troopers will have a zero tolerance policy for those not wearing a safety belt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, almost 50 percent of occupants of fatal crashes nationwide in 2015 were not restrained; this highlights the need for increased enforcement and awareness of safety belt use.

Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report any type of impaired drivers or drug activity.