Mahoning Valley sees some of the safest driving statewide over holiday weekend

The Ohio State Highway Patrol released statistics of incidents from the holiday weekend, and it shows that Valley drivers were among the safest in Ohio.
Statewide, there were only seven total fatalities during the designated holiday period from December 23 through 26. Provisional statistics show that is the lowest number of traffic deaths in the last several years. The patrol said some of these could have been prevented as three of those killed in fatal crashes were not wearing an available safety belt. Two of the fatal crashes were OVI related.
There were nine deaths in 2020 and 12 in 2019.
The OHSP also said there were two drug-related crime enforcement incidents in District 4 and zero weapons-related issues. Patrol officials reported 173 traffic stops or incidents in Mahoning County, which was one of the lowest numbers among major counties in Ohio.
Total crashes were down 51% across the state compared to last year, as were instances of drug activity and total traffic enforcement. Distracted driving and safety belt enforcement each saw increased pullovers between 3.5% and 5%.
The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity.