COLUMBUS, Ohio — Twelve people died in 12 separate traffic crashes across Ohio during the four-day Labor Day holiday reporting period, according to preliminary figures from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The reporting period began at midnight Friday, Sept. 4, and concluded at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. Investigators believe impairment was a factor in at least one of the fatal crashes.
Troopers arrested 426 people on impaired-driving allegations and another 70 on drug-related charges during the holiday weekend.
Among the people killed who had access to a seat belt, one was not wearing it. Troopers issued 2,136 seat belt citations after stopping drivers for other violations. Ohio’s seat belt law remains a secondary offense.
The patrol also responded to 502 crashes, issued 1,525 distracted-driving citations and assisted 1,563 motorists.
Drivers who witness suspected impaired or dangerous driving on Ohio roads can report it to the Ohio State Highway Patrol by calling #677.
