COLUMBUS, Ohio — Nine people were killed in nine separate crashes on Ohio roadways during the 2025–2026 New Year’s holiday period, according to provisional data released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The five‑day reporting window began at midnight Wednesday, Dec. 31, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4. At least one of the fatalities occurred in a crash where a safety belt was available but not used, the Patrol said.
Troopers recorded 4,470 enforcement contacts over the holiday, including 238 arrests for operating a vehicle while impaired. They also issued 297 citations for distracted driving and 469 for safety‑belt violations.
Franklin County reported the highest number of incidents with 464, followed by Lorain, Mahoning and Medina counties.
The Patrol encouraged motorists to continue using #677 to report impaired or dangerous drivers and drug activity. A detailed statistical breakdown of holiday enforcement activity was included in the agency’s release.