OSHP Reports 7 Fatalities over New Year’s Reporting Period

ZANESVILLE, OH – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has reported 7 fatal crashes during the New Year’s Eve reporting period.

Two of the fatalities occurred in our area on December 30th at 3:40 PM. Authorities said 35-year-old Kyle Johnson, of Zanesville, was traveling westbound on State Route 146 when he veered left of center and struck 52-year-old Kevin Hutcheson head on.  Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene and a juvenile sustained minor injuries. 

Kristi Mistovich, the Commander of the Zanesville Post, said the amount of fatalities is down compared to last year’s reporting period.

“Of those 7 fatalities, 5 of the victims were unbelted,” Mistovich said. “2 of those lives unfortunately were from our local community. Muskingum County averages 450 related injuries in this specific area per year.”

The Ohio State Highway Patrol as well as Commander Mistovich want to remind the public of the importance of safety belts.

“With the slight increase of seat belts that have been available to people and people still choosing not to use them, that’s going to be our focus heading into this New Year,” Mistovich said. “If you think about travel as a whole, we haven’t seen a lot of snow yet. When it does come it’s going to change the traffic safety for all and make the roads hazardous. We just ask as we enter the winter months to make that choice and take the time because seat belt use does significantly decrease your chance of injury.”

The New Year reporting period ran from December 29th until January 1st.