Ohio State Highway Patrol is Urging Road Safety For Traveling Motorists

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Traffic-related deaths are on the rise.

The Zanesville Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging road safety for the end of year holiday travel.

“Right now we’re really trying to focus through the end of the year, because there’s been more people killed this year,” said Lieutenant Matt Boyd. “We’re about 4% increase this year over what we had all of last year,as far as the number of people killed on the road ways. With the unseasonably warm temperatures and low gas prices, there will be a higher number of people traveling through Christmas. We really want to be diligent. And try to finish out the year safely. And try to sell that message to the motoring public.”

Ohio had more than 980 traffic deaths confirmed for 2014.

“Drivers need to make so they pay attention to the road way. It’s not just cell phones that distract people when they’re traveling. They are talking to their passengers, or talking on the phone to their family members they are going to see. Allow adequate time for the travel. Allow additional time. It’s better to be later than you planned on being than to get into a wreck trying to hurry to get there,” said Boyd.

The department said Auto Club AAA predicts a record 4 million Ohioans will travel more than 50 miles from home this week.