Thursday, November 26, 2015
Associated Press
COLUMBUS
The State Highway Patrol is reminding Ohioans that safety belts provide the single most effective way for motorists to protect themselves as large numbers of people are expected to take to the roads over the Thanksgiving holiday period.
The patrol also urges drivers to follow all traffic laws and not drive impaired.
Twenty-three people were killed in 20 fatal crashes on Ohio roads last year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend period. Seven of those fatalities, or 30 percent, resulted from impaired drivers.
AAA predicts more than 47 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday. The patrol expected traffic to start increasing Wednesday afternoon.
Patrol superintendent Col. Paul Pride says people also can help save lives by reporting unsafe and aggressive drivers to law enforcement.