The Ohio Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to make responsible choices, such as driving buckled, sober, focused, and obeying the speed limit during the 100 deadliest days of summer, which began Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day.
The Fourth of July holiday often means Ohioans are gathering with family and friends and consuming alcohol, said Staff Lieutenant Reeder.
“The patrol will be highly visible and cracking down on impaired drivers during the holiday reporting period, which begins at midnight on Friday, July 1, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 4,” he reminds motorists.
The zero-tolerance policy is part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Operation CARE enforcement campaigns aimed at removing impaired drivers from the roadways.
“This Fourth of July don’t take risks that could harm you, your family or other motorists. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver,” Lt. Reeder said.
Last year, 400 crashes killed 434 people. These 100 days represent 27 percent of the calendar year, but account for more than one third of all fatal traffic crashes. They also encompass the primary motorcycle riding months. Motorcycles made up less than 3 percent of all crashes during this period, but accounted for 32 percent of fatal crashes.
Driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit accounted for 33,000 citations. More than 1,500 of them involved speeds of at least 100 mph. Troopers arrested 5,421 impaired drivers and issued 24,345 safety belt citations.
When traveling the highways, motorists are encouraged to dial #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.
