State Highway Patrol Reports 12 Fatalities on Fourth of July Weekend
A time for fireworks, cook-outs, and parties, the holiday weekend brought over 670 arrests in the state of Ohio.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting that 12 people lost their lives in a total of 11 traffic crashes during the July Fourth reporting period, which began Friday, July 1 and ended Monday, July 4. Troopers made 673 arrests for impaired driving and 325 for drug-related charges.
“When someone chooses to drive after a night of drinking, the consequences can be deadly,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “That’s why troopers make OVI enforcement a priority, whether they’re patrolling during a long holiday weekend or any other night. Motorists should be smart and always plan a sober way home.”
A DUI conviction in Ohio can carry hefty consequences. Even a first-time offender faces three days to six months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines and a three year license suspension.