Patrol reports 10 vehicle-related deaths during holiday weekend

Ten people died on Ohio’s roadways during the New Year’s holiday weekend, half of whom were pedestrians, according to figures released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Four of those deaths that occurred during the four-day reporting period beginning Thursday and ending Sunday were the result of people not wearing a seat belt, according to the patrol.

Three deaths were because a motorist was operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI).

Troopers made 229 OVI arrests and issued citations for 59 distracted drivers and 288 seatbelt violations while making 2,575 traffic enforcement contacts during the weekend.

Overall, the 10 traffic deaths represent four fewer deaths than during the same reporting period a year ago, when 14 fatalities occurred., including making 229 OVI arrests and issuing citations for 59 distracted drivers and 288 safety belt citations.

Reach Eric Lagatta at elagatta@ dispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ericlagatta