Ohio State Highway Patrol reminding drivers to be safe during Memorial Day Weekend

A release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is outlining a few tips for drivers who will be celebrating Memorial Day weekend, and some enforcement efforts troopers will be conducting.

According to the release, OSHP will be conducting high-visibility enforcement on all roadways across the state to promote traffic safety.

This effort begins at midnight on May 23 and continues through 11:59 p.m. on May 26.

The release aims to remind drivers to utilize seatbelts and to designate a sober driver.

"Memorial Day is a busy time on Ohio's roads as many Ohioans travel to spend time with family and friends," said Governor Mike DeWine. 

DeWine continued," I encourage all drivers to be alert and prioritize safety behind the wheel."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one person is killed every 39 minutes in a drunk-driving crash, totaling more than 13,000 deaths a year.

The NHTSA is sharing tips for how Memorial Day celebrants can stay safe during the holiday:

• Don't let someone get behind the wheel if that person has been drinking
• If hosting a gathering, ensure that attendees have a sober ride home
• Always wear a seatbelt

According to the release, in Ohio, 26 people were killed in 22 fatal crashes during the four-day Memorial Day weekend reporting period in 2024.

According to patrol statistics, 18 of those fatalities were OVI-related. In the fatalities where a safety belt was available, eight of the 14 were unbelted.

During the 2024 reporting period, OSHP made 361 impaired driving arrests.