Ohio State Highway Patrol reports rise in holiday traffic stops
CANFIELD, Ohio - Troopers were out in full force during the heavy traffic holiday for the Fourth of July and drivers breaking the law kept them busier compared to last year.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol made more than 29,000 traffic stops during the two-day reporting period across the state from Wednesday, July 3, to Thursday, July 4, at midnight.
The number of stops resulted in a 13 percent increase from the same time in 2012.
In Mahoning County, the Canfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reports it made about 400 enforcement stops during the same holiday traffic period.
Speeding and impaired drivers accounted for the majority of stops locally.
"Over the holiday weekend, people are trying to get where they're trying to go a little faster, especially on the interstates," said Canfield Post Sgt. Bret Henderson.
The patrol made 282 arrests statewide for impaired driving, up seven percent from last year. Aggressive driving citations saw the highest jump, by 29 percent over 2012.
In a press release Patrol Superintendent Colonel John Born stated, "impaired driving continues to be a significant threat to all Ohioans."
Tune into the 21 News Evening Report at 6 p.m. tonight for more on this developing story.
