Police in Summit and Stark counties will have a greater presence on the road this Wednesday.
That’s because the Ohio State Highway Patrol is partnering with multiple police agencies in the area for a day of high-visibility traffic enforcement. Police will focus on reducing crash-causing violations and dangerous activities, like impaired driving and safety-belt violations.
The all-day event follows a year of increased traffic fatalities in both counties.
According to the Highway Patrol, Summit County has seen 30 fatal crashes with 31 lost lives so far this year. That’s already greater than 2015, which saw 25 fatalities as a result of crashes.
Of this year’s 31 fatalities, 18 were driving impaired and 13 were not wearing safety belts.
Stark County reported similar statistics, according to the Highway Patrol. There have been 24 fatal crashes with 26 people dead this year so far, compared to 17 dead in 2015. Seven of the 26 were under the influence of alcohol or drugs and seven were not wearing safety belts.