Fewer fatalities on Ohio roadways this Thanksgiving weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Provisional numbers show fewer motorists were killed on Ohio's roadways this Thanksgiving holiday, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reports.

Eleven people were killed this Thanksgiving holiday period, a decrease from the past three years when 17 were killed in 2011, 18 in 2010 and 20 in 2009.

The reporting period began Nov. 21 at 12 a.m. and ran through Nov. 25 at 11:59 p.m.

Even though fatalities were on the decline, OSHP said all who were killed in the crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

OSHP said four people were killed when they were ejected during a single vehicle crash in Warren County where alcohol is suspected as the cause.

“We are encouraged by the reduction of fatalities this weekend – however, motorists need to remember that wearing a safety belt is the single most important thing they can do to protect themselves during a crash,” said Col. John Born, patrol superintendent. “Simple things like wearing a safety belt or designating a sober driver can go a long way in ensuring these tragedies don’t occur.”

In all, 459 drivers were arrested for OVI during the reporting time period. Trumbull County led the way with 753 incidents reported. You can see a county-by-county breakdown here: statepatrol.ohio.gov.