The Thanksgiving holiday should be a joyous time for all families in Ohio, but far too often the celebration turns to tragedy on our state’s highways. 

I hope that everyone driving on our area roads this holiday week does so carefully, defensively, does not drive impaired and, most importantly, buckles up each and every trip.

To lose a loved one is a terrible thing to experience, especially during one of America’s family holidays, but to lose one’s life when it might have been saved by taking two seconds to buckle a seat belt is truly senseless. When you’re in your vehicle, whether for long trips or short, please remember to buckle up every trip, every time.

Far too often, this good advice isn’t heeded. In Ohio during the Thanksgiving holiday period last year, 17 vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, including four that resulted from alcohol involvement.

As many know, this month the Ohio State Highway Patrol celebrated its 75th Anniversary of professional traffic safety services to the citizens of this state.

Since 1933 our core foundation has been rooted in the mission to save lives. I am proud to say that heading into the year-end holiday season we are on the threshold of an historic achievement in terms of traffic fatality reduction in Ohio.

As of today we are ### traffic deaths under last year’s total at this point in the year. After two incredible years of saving lives, we are well on our way to another record-setting achievement.

I am asked by people all the time how and why traffic fatalities are trending down so significantly.
Certainly factors like higher fuel prices, fewer miles being driven, safer vehicles, and better first responder emergency services play a part. I also believe Ohio’s traffic fatality total at the end of this year will be at an all-time low because Ohio motorists are making safe, responsible decisions that are resulting in life-saving differences.

One key place we continue to see improvement is in the area of safety belt usage. Regular safety belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.

The state troopers and staff of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s <<POST NAME>> wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. As always, please remember to continue using 1-877-7-PATROL to report dangerous drivers or stranded motorists, or 1-800-GRAB DUI to report impaired drivers. For more information about highway safety during this Thanksgiving holiday, please visit our Web site www.statepatrol.ohio.gov.