LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Over Labor Day weekend, twenty-three people were killed on Ohio roads, six of whom were from the local area. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, this is an increase from the 18 deaths reported statewide in 2024.
According to patrol data, there were 20 fatal crashes statewide between Friday morning and Monday night. Local authorities reported two fatal crashes in Allen County, one each in Mercer and Darke counties, as well as two deaths in Auglaize County. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has yet to release the names of those involved in the crash.
During the holiday weekend, troopers made nearly 400 arrests for impaired driving. They also responded to 490 crashes statewide and issued over 1,300 citations for distracted driving.
| Patrol reports 23 fatalities over Labor Day weekend |
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports 23 deaths in 20 fatal crashes over the four-day Labor Day weekend reporting period, which began Friday, August 29 at midnight and concluded Monday, September 1 at 11:59 p.m.
According to preliminary Patrol statistics, at least four of the 20 fatal crashes reported during the Labor Day weekend reporting period were OVI-related. In an ongoing effort to reduce that figure to zero, troopers made 398 arrests for impaired driving and 67 for drug-related charges.
Seven of the fatalities involved the absence of a safety belt. Although Ohio’s safety belt law remains a secondary violation, troopers maintained zero tolerance during the holiday reporting period for motorists who were stopped for a violation and discovered to be not wearing a safety belt. During the four-day reporting period, troopers issued 1,872 safety belt citations.
Additionally, troopers responded to 490 crashes, issued 1,308 citations for distracted driving, and assisted 1,568 motorists.
Motorists are encouraged to help create a safer Ohio by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving on Ohio roads.
