Patrol Reminds Drivers to ‘Buckle Up’ and ‘Drive Sober’ for Memorial Day

COLUMBUS – During the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) will be promoting traffic safety by conducting high-visibility enforcement on roadways across the state. The effort begins at midnight on Friday, May 22 and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 25.

“Memorial Day weekend is a time to honor the service members who gave their lives for our country, but we know it is also widely considered a celebration of the beginning of summer,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “No matter how you plan to recognize the holiday, I encourage you to celebrate responsibly so that everyone can reach their destinations safely.” 

As motorists travel throughout the weekend, they are reminded to utilize their safety belts and be responsible by designating a sober driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one person is killed every 44 minutes in a drunk-driving crash.

During last year’s Memorial Day holiday reporting period, which ran from Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26, there were 13 fatal crashes that resulted in 14 deaths on Ohio’s roadways. Of those, nine crashes and 10 fatalities involved alcohol and/or drugs.

“These numbers should be a reminder to everyone that many of the tragedies on our roads are preventable,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Making the decision to wear your safety belt, stay focused and never drive impaired could save your life or the lives of others.”

According to Patrol statistics, troopers made 417 impaired driving arrests during last year’s reporting period. Additionally, troopers issued, on average, over 500 safety belt citations and 250 distracted driving violations each day.

In addition to the Memorial Day weekend enforcement, the Patrol is continuing the 6-State Trooper Project, focusing on the use of safety belts. This effort includes the Indiana State Police, Kentucky State Police, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, West Virginia State Police and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The initiative began on Monday, May 19 and continues through Monday, May 25.

The Patrol is also taking part in the Click It or Ticket campaign, which began on Monday, May 11 and runs through Sunday, May 31. You can help contribute to a safer Ohio by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving on Ohio roadways.