OHP and ODOT remind drivers to be safe this holiday weekend

Ohio highways will see heavier amounts of traffic Labor Day weekend, as millions are expected to head out for that one final summer trip.

“Traffic volume increases by an average of 10 percent over the Labor Day weekend, making it the sixth most traveled holiday in Ohio,” according to an Aug. 31 news release from the Ohio Department of Transportation.

With Ohio’s $2 billion investment into the state’s roads and bridges during this construction season, travelers have been accustomed to many orange barrels along the roadways.

However, according to the release, ODOT makes every effort to open as many lanes as possible during high-traffic holidays.

As always, ODOT and OHP are requesting that travelers remember to move over or slow down to give construction workers and law enforcement the room to work safely.

ODOT advises travelers to plan ahead and know where to expect construction zones to help avoid delays.

“Travelers are encouraged to download the OHGO app at OHGO.com/ app or visit www.OHGO.com to see real-time traffic conditions,” according to the release.

The app features more than 600 traffic cameras and work zone locations and information.

For details regarding specific projects, motorists are encouraged to contact their local ODOT District Public Information Office.

An Aug. 31 news release from Ohio Highway Patrol

cites the AAA as saying that about 85 percent of those who travel over the Labor Day weekend drive to their destinations, which can cause congested roadways. They are also advising that travelers plan ahead, allow extra time, follow traffic laws, share the road with other motorists and always wear a seat belt.

ODOT is teaming up with OHP and other law enforcement agencies to focus on drunken driving over the holiday weekend.

There are more than 130 digital message boards along Ohio’s highways that will display the message “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

According to ODOT, there have been 7,009 alcohol related crashes in Ohio so far this year.

Troopers will focus enforcement efforts on removing impaired drivers from Ohio’s roadways, OHP announced in an Aug. 31 news release.

“Motorists can all have a part in keeping the roadway safe by never driving

impaired and designating a sober driver,” the release stated.

OHP reported 15 fatal crashes that killed 15 people over the 2016 Labor Day weekend. Four of the fatalities were OVI related and five fatalities resulted from not wearing a seat belt. In addition, OHP also made 749 OVI arrests that weekend.

“Removing impaired drivers from our roadways is always a primary focus,” Col. Paul A. Pride, patrol superintendent, said in the release. “We take impaired driving seriously and we are dedicated to protecting and serving the motorists on Ohio’s roadways.”

The OHP 2017 Labor Day reporting period will start at 12 a.m. Sept. 1 and run through 11:59 p.m. Sept. 4. The OHP will be reporting statewide provisional fatalities each morning on Facebook, Twitter, and www. statepatrol.ohio.gov.

OHP also encourages all motorists to remember to dial #677 to report impaired drivers and drug activity to the agency.

ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Travelers can expect to see crowded highways like this one as they hit the roads this Labor day weekend.