OSHP Reports Fewer Deaths During New Year Holiday Period

Fewer people died in crashes over the New Year holiday in Ohio this year compared to last.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says there were four deaths on Ohio roadways during the 2019-2020 New Year holiday reporting period.

Two fatalities were the result of not wearing a seat belt when available and one was OVI-related

The two-day reporting period began at midnight Tuesday, December 31, 2019 and ran through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

Last year there were 12 fatalities during what was a four-day reporting period.

This year troopers made 121 OVI arrests and issued 48 distracted driving and 278 safety belt citations.

Overall, traffic fatalities increased in Ohio in 2019.

1,152 people were killed in crashes in 2019, an increase of 84 from 2018.