TOLEDO, Ohio (7-6-26) — 18 people were killed in traffic crashes across Ohio during the Independence Day holiday travel period, according to preliminary statistics released Monday by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The Fourth of July reporting period began at 12 a.m. Thursday, July 2, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

The patrol reported 18 fatalities in 18 separate crashes during the four-day holiday period, two of which happened in northwest Ohio, according to OSHP’s crash dashboard. The number nearly doubles the number of fatalities last Fourth of July weekend.

Preliminary data also showed seat belt use and motorcycle helmet use remained factors in several deadly crashes. Of the eight fatal crashes in which seat belts were available, three people who died were not wearing one, accounting for 38% of those fatalities. Among the five fatal motorcycle crashes investigated during the holiday period, three riders were not wearing helmets.

In addition to investigating fatal crashes, troopers responded to hundreds of incidents and cited thousands of drivers for traffic violations across the state.

During the holiday weekend, the patrol:

  • Investigated 575 crashes
  • Issued 1,722 distracted driving citations
  • Cited 2,195 drivers for safety belt violations
  • Removed 387 impaired drivers from Ohio roadways

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive safely throughout the summer travel season and encourages anyone who spots an impaired or reckless driver to call #677 to report dangerous driving or suspected drug activity.