COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — The Ohio State Highway Patrol will focus on removing impaired drivers from Ohio roadways during the Labor Day weekend.
The Patrol’s 2026 Labor Day reporting period began at midnight Friday, Sept. 4, and will continue through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7.
OSHP Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones urged motorists to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, making sure everyone in the vehicle wears a safety belt and avoiding distractions while driving.
During the 2025 Labor Day weekend, 23 fatal crashes occurred on Ohio roadways, resulting in 27 deaths. Fifteen of those crashes were OVI-related. Of the 17 fatalities in which safety belts were available, 11 involved people who were not wearing a belt. Troopers also made 402 impaired-driving arrests and issued 156 citations for speeds of at least 100 mph.
Motorists can report drug activity or dangerous or impaired driving by calling #677 from a mobile phone.
