Patrol Reports 15 Deaths During Memorial Day Weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting 15 deaths on Ohio roadways during the 2018 Memorial Day weekend according to provisional statistics. There were 15 traffic deaths during the 2016 and 2017 Memorial Day weekends. Two of this year’s fatalities were the result of not wearing a seat belt when available and two were OVI-related. The four-day reporting period began Friday, May 25 and ran through Monday, May 28, 2018.

State Troopers made 36,582 traffic enforcement contacts; including 787 OVI arrests, 490 drug arrests, 8,242 safety belt citations. In addition, the Patrol made 17,905 non-enforcement contacts including 4,077 motorist assists.

“We take enforcing traffic laws seriously, and troopers were highly visible this weekend to encourage safety,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “We thank everyone who slowed down, buckled up and designated sober drivers this weekend. We ask that you do the same every time you get behind the wheel.”

Year to date, there have been 380 confirmed fatalities on Ohio’s roads; a 4 percent decrease over the same time last year. Roadway safety is a shared responsibility; everyone can contribute to making our roadways safer by following traffic laws, wearing safety belts and driving sober.