COLUMBUS – Heavier traffic unfortunately meant a higher death toll on Ohio roadways over the Memorial Day weekend.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reporting 17 people were killed in traffic crashes during the four-day reporting period that began May 27 and ran through May 30.
That was two more than the number killed over the holiday period in 2021, a 13% increase while the AAA auto club had predicted a 7% increase in travel volume. The number was 15% lower than the 20 fatalities recorded in 2020.
Two of the fatal crashes occurred in Franklin County and one in Madison County.
The 26,150 traffic enforcement contacts made by trooper over the weekend included 490 OVI arrests, 299 drug arrests and 3,992 safety belt citations.
In addition, the Patrol made 13,249 non-enforcement contacts including 2,706 motorist assists.