Note to holiday travelers: A time for increased traffic

Colonel Paul McClellan
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

As the upcoming holiday season quickly approaches, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be on the lookout for increased traffic on Ohio roadways.

In anticipation of heavy traffic during the Thanksgiving and winter holidays, the Patrol is urging motorists to contribute to roadway safety by calling 1-877-7-PATROL when they see a disabled motorist or aggressive driving behavior.

The Patrol is recommending that in the event of a vehicle breakdown:

• Get the vehicle as far off the road as safely possible
• Open the hood and activate hazard lights
• Place a "help" sign in the rear window
• Stay inside the vehicle until help arrives
• If a cell phone is available, contact 1-877-7-PATROL for assistance and the call will be directed to the nearest Patrol post.

Troopers also suggest all motorists have the following items in their vehicle in case of a breakdown:

• Cell phone or CB radio
• Flares or reflectors
• “Help” or “Call Police” sign
• White flag or handkerchief
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Reflective tape
• Blankets
• Candles, matches, or a lighter

Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 14 people were killed and 12 injured in 10 crashes on Ohio's roadways, a 28 percent increase of fatalities from Thanksgiving 2003. Of the 14 people killed, all had safety belts available and only six were wearing them at the time of the crash.

Everyone shares the responsibility of keeping the roadways in Ohio among the safest to travel in the nation.

Before you begin your drive – think safety!