MEDIA RELEASE__The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports 11 deaths in eight fatal crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday reporting period, which began at midnight on Wednesday, November 26 and concluded at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30.

According to preliminary Patrol statistics, at least two of the eight fatal crashes recorded during the reporting period were OVI-related. In a continued effort to lower that number to zero, troopers made 281 arrests for impaired driving and 38 for drug-related charges.

In the fatalities where a safety belt was available, three were unbelted. Although Ohio's safety belt law remains a secondary violation, troopers continue to have zero tolerance during the holiday reporting period, when motorists were stopped for a violation and were found not to be wearing a safety belt. Throughout this five-day reporting period, troopers issued 462 safety belt citations.

Additionally, troopers responded to 766 crashes, issued 287 citations for distracted driving and provided assistance to 1,572 motorists.

Motorists are encouraged to contribute to a safer Ohio by safely calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving on Ohio roadways.

See below for additional statistics: