(Columbus, Ohio)--The state highway patrol is focusing on impaired driving on roadways all across ohio over the Labor Day Holiday Weekend.
A statement form the Ohio State Highway Patrol says enforcement efforts will focus on removing drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs from the state's roads between 12 a.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Monday.
The associated press reports 15 people died in 15 fatal crashes in Ohio during the 2016 labor day holiday weekend. Four of last years fatalities were related to operating a vehicle under the influence, the patrol also made 749 OVI Arrests that weekend.
Auto Club AAA says an estimated 85 percent of all travelers drive to their destinations in celebration of Labor Day. The Auto Club also projects a higher number of Ohioans to be traveling this weekend with a 10 point 6 percent increase compared to last year.
The 5-day holiday weekend is also enticing travelers to take longer vacations with Ohioans planning on spending almost 6 full days on vacations over Labor Day. Ohio travelers are also planning on spending more on their trips this year, projections indicate they will spend nearly 8 percent more than the 2016 holiday period.
September is also recognized as Safe Driving Awareness Month, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is asking drivers to commit to driving focused, buckled, and sober
Motorists can also help keep roadways safe by planning ahead and allowing extra time, and by obeying traffic laws. Over 11 hundred people were killed last year in car crashes, which was up from 2015.
Drivers are encouraged to dial 6-7-7 to report impaired drivers and drug activity.