(COLUMBUS) - The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported nine fatal crashes across Ohio during the 2025-2026 New Year's holiday, according to provisional statistics released this week.
The reporting period ran from midnight Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. At least one of the fatal crashes involved a victim who was not wearing a safety belt despite one being available, patrol officials said.
During the five-day holiday enforcement period, troopers recorded 4,470 traffic enforcement contacts statewide. That total included 238 arrests for operating a vehicle while impaired, 297 citations for distracted driving and 469 safety belt violations.
Franklin County led the state in enforcement activity with 464 contacts. Other counties with high totals included Lorain County, Mahoning County and Medina County.
The Highway Patrol urged motorists to remain vigilant and to report dangerous or impaired drivers by dialing #677. Troopers also encouraged reporting suspected drug activity using the same number.
Officials said the holiday data helps identify enforcement trends and reinforces the importance of safe driving habits. Drivers are reminded to buckle up, avoid impaired or distracted driving, and obey traffic laws to reduce the risk of serious or fatal crashes.