OSHP reports lack of seatbelt usage in 7 of 16 fatal vehicle deaths over July 4th weekend

A lack of safety belt usage was responsible for seven of the 16 fatalities vehicle accidents over the July 4th holiday weekend, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reports.

OSHP said that a total of 16 people were killed in 15 vehicle accidents during OSHP's Independence Day holiday reporting period, which ran from Wednesday, July 3, to Sunday, July 7. In nine of the deaths where safety belts could have been used, seven of the fatalities were not wearing their seatbelts.

During that same reporting period, troopers issued almost 3,000 citations for safety belt and child safety seat violations.

The 2024 death toll of 16 is up from last year, which saw 12 vehicle accident fatalities during the same reporting period, according to OSHP data. This year's death toll ties with 2022, but is less than 2021, which saw 23 vehicle accident fatalities.

State troopers also made 438 arrests for impaired driving and 72 for drug-related offenses. Troopers also responded to 648 crashes and assisted 2,449 motorists.

Lieutenant Ray Santiago, spokesperson for OSHP, emphasized the importance of safety belt usage in vehicles.

"We know seat belts save lives and significantly reduce the probability of serious injury or death," said Santiago.

smeighan@dispatch.com

@ShahidMeighan

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: OSHP reports lack of seatbelt usage in 7 of 16 fatal vehicle deaths over July 4th weekend