Ohio Highway Patrol Releases Thanksgiving Holiday Report

Joe Lyons • November 27, 2023

The Ohio Highway Patrol has released the provisional statistics for the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday, revealing a positive decline in fatalities on the state’s roadways.

According to the report, there were a total of seven crashes resulting in the unfortunate loss of eight lives. However, this marks the fewest deaths recorded since 2018 during the Thanksgiving period.

The five-day reporting period, which began on Wednesday, November 22 at midnight and ended on Sunday, November 26 at 11:59 p.m., saw one fatality attributed to the absence of a safety belt. Additionally, impaired driving played a factor in one of the crashes.

During this time, Ohio Highway Patrol troopers were vigilant in enforcing road safety measures, resulting in the arrest of 319 individuals for operating a vehicle while impaired. Furthermore, 111 people were apprehended for illegal drug-related offenses.

The report also highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols, as troopers issued 526 citations for safety belt violations and 181 citations for distracted driving. In a display of dedication to public service, the Ohio Highway Patrol also assisted 1,567 motorists throughout the holiday reporting period.

These statistics reflect the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals traveling on Ohio’s roadways. Continued efforts to enforce traffic regulations, combat impaired driving, and promote responsible behavior are key priorities for the Ohio Highway Patrol.

A statistical analysis of the Patrol’s enforcement activity over the holiday is available here.

Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.