COLUMBUS — Troopers of the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported Monday that 22 people lost their lives in 21 traffic crashes during the July Fourth reporting period, which began Thursday, July 2, and ended Sunday, July 5.
Impairment was determined to be a factor in at least five of those crashes. Seat belts were not used in at least eight of the fatal crashes. Three of the fatal crashes involved pedestrians.
Troopers made 425 arrests for impaired driving and 280 for drug-related charges. The Patrol responded to 631 crashes and made more than 22,494 traffic contacts in total, which included providing assistance to more than 2,900 motorists.
“Driving impaired remains a significant problem,” Patrol Superintendent Colonel Richard S. Fambro said. “We need motorists to commit to keeping our roads safe. Designate a sober driver.”
During the holiday reporting period in Logan County, troopers report a total of 115 traffic contacts. Also in Union County and Champaign County, those totals were 253 and 53 traffic contracts, respectively.
For last year’s Fourth of July reporting period from July 3 to July 7, there were a total of 16 fatal crashes that killed 17 people statewide. Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.
For a complete breakdown and map of patrol activity, visit www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/links/July4th2020.pdf