CLEVELAND — The number of people who died in traffic-related crashes over the Fourth of July holiday in the state of Ohio increased over last year.
Twelve people were killed in 12 crashes between July 3 and 7, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During last year's Fourth of July weekend, there were a total of four fatal crashes that killed eight people.
Impairment was determined to be a factor in at least three of this year's crashes.
Troopers made 709 arrests for impaired driving and 507 arrests for drug-related charges.
“Impaired driving is a risk to everyone’s safety on our roads,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro, patrol superintendent. “That’s why troopers make OVI enforcement a priority.”
