November 24, 2021
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Thanksgiving travel numbers expected to spike, law enforcement promotes safety - Fox 28

Electronic billboards across Columbus highways show the message
Electronic billboards across Columbus highways show the message "Turkey says buckle buckle" Wednesday morning. (WSYX)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — As millions of Ohioans are preparing to travel for Thanksgiving, law enforcement and other officials are stressing a message focused on safety.

Electronic billboards across Columbus highways show the message "Turkey says buckle buckle" Wednesday morning.

After the pandemic kept many families home last Thanksgiving, AAA is predicting this year will bring the highest single-year increase in Thanksgiving travel since 2005.

Nearly 2.2 million Ohioans are expected to travel between Wednesday and Sunday, and nearly 90% of them will drive to their destinations, according to AAA.

Lt. Nathan Dennis with the Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to wear seatbelts and makes plans for a designated driver.

"What we want is to ensure everybody gets to their destination, they are able to gather with their friends and family for the holiday, and they're able to get back home safely," Lt. Dennis said.

During the Thanksgiving travel period last year, 11 people were killed in crashes across Ohio.

The state patrol said five of those deaths happened in crashes involving an impaired driver and four people were not buckled in a seatbelt.

Statistics from the state patrol show overall crashes are up 8% compared to this time last year.

As more people have returned to the highways, distracted driving violations are soaring by 30% from last year, while OVI enforcement is up 15%, patrol data showed.

Drivers can expect to see additional troopers and other law-enforcement agencies on the roads through the weekend.

The state patrol is encouraging drivers to call #677 to report suspected impaired or dangerous driving.



source: https://myfox28columbus.com/news/local/thanksgiving-travel-numbers-expected-to-spike-law-enforcement-promotes-safety-11-24-2021

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