OSHP reports Labor Day enforcement efforts

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol made more impaired driving, drug and seat belt arrests this Labor Day compared to the 2016 holiday weekend according to provisional data.

Troopers arrested 845 drivers for OVI and issued 6,171 safety belt citations, both increases over 2016. Troopers also made 536 drug arrests and 150 felony apprehensions. In addition, 24 people lost their lives over the weekend in 22 crashes – an increase when compared to 2016. Alcohol was a contributing factor in at least four fatalities and 11 people lost their lives by not using a seatbelt or wearing a motorcycle helmet. This shows how important it is for people to wear DOT approved helmets that will protect them on their journey home. One death occured in Meigs County. Meigs County is in District 9 which had a total of three fatalities during the Labor Day weekend.

A total of 33,166 traffic enforcement stops were conducted along with 17,789 non-enforcement stops. Troopers also provided assistance to motorists 3,543 times. The Labor Day reporting period began Friday, September 1 at 12 a.m. and concluded Monday, September 4 at 11:59 p.m.