The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to buckle up and avoid impaired driving during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend as troopers prepare for increased traffic enforcement statewide. The Patrol’s Memorial Day enforcement effort begins at midnight Friday, May 22 and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 25. Troopers will focus on safety belt use, impaired driving, and distracted driving violations. Governor Mike DeWine encouraged Ohioans to celebrate responsibly during the holiday weekend. “No matter how you plan to recognize the holiday, I encourage you to celebrate responsibly so that everyone can reach their destinations safely,” DeWine said. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person is killed every 44 minutes in a drunk-driving crash nationwide. The Patrol reported that during last year’s Memorial Day reporting period, there were 13 fatal crashes on Ohio roadways that claimed 14 lives. Nine of those crashes and 10 of the deaths involved alcohol 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. “Making the decision to wear your safety belt, stay focused and never drive impaired could save your life or the lives of others.” During last year’s holiday weekend, troopers made 417 impaired driving arrests. The Patrol also issued an average of more than 500 safety belt citations and 250 distracted driving violations each day. The Patrol is also participating in the multi-state “6-State Trooper Project” focusing on seat belt enforcement through May 25, along with state police agencies in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Troopers are additionally taking part in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign through May 31. Drivers can report dangerous or impaired drivers by calling #677.
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