Highway Patrol shares tips for safe holiday travel

MEDIA RELEASE__The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is urging all motorists to prioritize safety as they travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, which is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

During the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday reporting period, which runs from midnight on Wednesday, November 26 through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, troopers will be focusing on removing impaired drivers from Ohio’s roadways. In addition, they will be on the lookout for safety belt, speeding and distracted driving violations.

“As the busy holiday travel season begins, I urge all Ohioans to be safe and smart while behind the wheel,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Every driver has the ability to prevent devastating crashes and serious injuries by buckling up, putting distractions away, and driving sober.”

To promote roadway safety and prevent needless tragedies, the Patrol is asking drivers to keep four critical safety steps in mind as they travel this week:

• Designate a sober driver or use a rideshare.
• Make sure every occupant in the vehicle is wearing a safety belt.
• Follow the posted speed limits.
• Put distractions away and focus on driving.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol statistics, 11 people were killed in 10 crashes on Ohio’s roadways during last year’s five-day Thanksgiving reporting period. Of those, alcohol and/or drugs were a contributing factor in five of the fatal crashes. There were also three pedestrians fatally struck during the five-day reporting period.

“Driving responsibly isn’t just a choice; it’s a shared obligation,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Help make this a fatality-free holiday period by prioritizing sober driving, wearing your safety belt and staying focused on the task of driving."

Motorists are encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists on Ohio roadways.