State patrol releases holiday stats

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released preliminary statistics about Ohio roadways during the Christmas holiday. Two people were killed in two crashes this Christmas holiday with one of the people not wearing a seatbelt, according to the patrol. The reporting period began Tuesday, Dec. 24 at midnight and ran through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25. Troopers also arrested 44 people for operating a vehicle while impaired and 11 were arrested for illegal drugs. Eighty-four citations were issued for seat belt violations and 31 for distracted driving violations. Troopers also assisted 434 motorists. During last year's four-day Christmas holiday reporting period, there were 12 people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Ohio roads, according to the post. In District 2 of Ohio, which includes Crawford, Erie, Marion, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca and Wyandot counties. Richland County had the most traffic incidents during the reporting periods, with 88 incidents. Crawford – 20 incidents Erie – 44 incidents Marion – 58 incidents Ottawa – 9 incidents Sandusky – 81 incidents Seneca – 10 incidents Wyandot – 27 incidents Hancock and Wood counties are in District 2. Hancock had 41 incidents and Wood had 76 incidents. The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages the public to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers and drug activity.