Patrol reports 12 fatalities across Ohio over July Fourth weekend

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting that 12 people lost their lives in a total of 11 traffic crashes during the 2016 July Fourth reporting period, which began Friday, July 1 and ended Monday, July 4. Impairment was proven to be a factor in four of those crashes.

Troopers made 673 arrests for impaired driving and 325 for drug-related charges. The Patrol responded to 655 crashes and made more than 45,000 traffic contacts in total, which included assisting more than 3,900 motorists.

“When someone chooses to drive after a night of drinking, the consequences can be deadly,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “That’s why troopers make OVI enforcement a priority, whether they’re patrolling during a long holiday weekend or any other night. Motorists should be smart and always plan a sober way home.”

During last year’s Fourth of July reporting period from July 2 to July 5, a total of eight fatal crashes killed 10 people. This includes three OVI-related fatal crashes that killed three people.

Troopers encourage the public to continue reporting impaired drivers or drug activity with #677.

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