COLUMBUS — Provisional statistics released this week by the Ohio State Highway Patrol show fewer motorists were killed on Ohio’s roadways this Christmas holiday, as compared to the three previous years.
During the four-day reporting period, from 12 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26, seven people were killed in seven fatal crashes. Three of those killed in fatal crashes over the holiday were not wearing an available safety belt.
At least two of the fatal crashes also were relating to impaired driving, troopers said.
In addition, troopers removed 162 impaired drivers from Ohio’s roads during the holiday, which is an increase of nearly 12 percent compared to last year. Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and designate a sober driver or make other arrangements to ensure everyone arrives safely to their destination.
Nine people were killed during 2020, which ran from Dec. 24 to 27. In 2019, there were 12 people killed, which ran from Dec. 24 to 25.
In Logan County, troopers recorded a total of 45 enforcement and non-enforcement contacts with the public during the holiday period.
The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity.
A statistical analysis of the Patrol’s enforcement activity over the holiday is available at https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/christmasholidayreport2021.pdf.