OHIO — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging Ohioans to drive sober over the holiday weekend. 

OSHP said troopers will be highly present on roadways to crack down on impaired drivers between Friday and Monday. 

Between that same four-day reporting period in 2022, there were six fatal crashes that killed 12 people, according to OSHP. Of the 12 people who died, five people didn’t wear seatbelts in vehicles that had seatbelts available. 

Six of the fatal crashes involved drugs or alcohol.

“It’s as simple as wearing a seat belt and not driving impaired or distracted,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Please don’t risk your life or the lives of others by getting behind the wheel while impaired.”

OSHP encourages people to make arraignments, such as designating a sober driver, to make roadways safer for Christmas travelers. 

“We are reminding everyone to be safe around the holidays and always,” said Col. Charles Jones, patrol superintendent. “We need the commitment of the motoring public to make good choices, to make this a safe holiday season by designating a sober driver.”

There were also 58 impaired-driving arrests during last year’s four-day Christmas reporting period.