Ohio State Highway Patrol beefing up security for 4th of July travel holiday

BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO (WTRF) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol will beef up their patrols for the holiday, not just on the 4th of July, but starting tomorrow morning and running through Sunday night.

They expect tomorrow’s traffic to be the busiest with people on their way to their destinations, and again Sunday as they’re returning home.

The 4th of July is known for more than average cases of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

But they’ll be looking for many different behaviors on the roads.

“We encourage motorists if you are going to partake in the 4th of July festivities to be responsible, find a designated driver, taxi service or any other ride share service that may available in your area. And as always, please put down any distractions in the vehicle such as your phones. And please buckle up and bd safe while traveling on Ohio roadways.”

Sgt. Brittany Brannon, Ohio State Highway Patrol, St. Clairsville Post

They will also be looking for speeding, reckless or aggressive driving.

They say we are in the midst of what they call the 100 deadliest days of summer. In Ohio in the last three years, during the 4th of July holiday alone, fifty people have died in traffic crashes.
They say the main causes were alcohol, drugs and speeding.

They encourage you to call pound 677 if you see impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.

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