ODOT issues Memorial Day reminder

Ohio Dept. of Transportation information

COLUMBUS — Memorial Day weekend has historically had the highest number of serious injuries and the third-highest number of fatalities of all major holidays on Ohio roads between 2009-2013.

May 18-31 is National Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization and the Ohio Department of Transportation is reminding drivers and passengers to “Click It or Ticket.”

In Ohio, about 37 percent of all traffic deaths involve unbelted drivers and passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lap and shoulder belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to serious injuries by 50 percent. Ohio’s seat belt use rate is about 85 percent, lower than surrounding states such as Indiana and Michigan.

“We know seatbelts save lives and we all need to do better when it comes to buckling up,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray.