COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio recorded its lowest number of Memorial Day traffic fatalities in nearly two decades, with six deaths reported over the four‑day holiday period, according to provisional data released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
This year’s reporting window ran from Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25. The six fatalities mark the fewest Memorial Day roadway deaths in 18 years, a milestone the Patrol says reflects both stepped‑up enforcement and expanded public‑safety outreach.
Troopers made 16,490 enforcement contacts during the holiday period, including 355 impaired‑driving arrests, 66 drug arrests, and 2,090 safety‑belt citations. They also logged 9,179 non‑enforcement contacts, such as 1,647 motorist assists.
The historically low fatality count comes just one week after the Patrol launched its first statewide impaired‑driving enforcement initiative. That coordinated effort—supported by more than 100 local law‑enforcement agencies, local Patrol posts, and the Ohio Department of Transportation—resulted in over 18,500 vehicle checks, 158 impaired‑driving arrests, and four felony arrests. Of those OVI arrests, 51 occurred at checkpoint locations. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also increased OVI enforcement on both water and land throughout the three‑day operation.
Alongside enforcement, troopers and partner agencies focused heavily on public education. Mothers Against Drunk Driving advocates joined the Patrol in reminding Ohioans that impaired driving is entirely preventable and that choosing a sober driver or using a rideshare service remains the safest option.
The Patrol continues to urge motorists to treat roadway safety as a shared responsibility. Drivers are encouraged to report dangerous or impaired behavior by calling #677.
A statewide breakdown of Memorial Day weekend enforcement and crash data is available below.
