State authorities in Ohio have intensified patrols ahead of the Labour Day weekend after a marked rise in holiday‑period road deaths last year, underscoring risks that come with greater volumes of traffic — risks that holidaymakers in South Africa should heed as they plan long drives.
More vehicles, higher risk for emergency crews
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said it will increase its presence on major routes during the holiday period to prevent crashes from becoming fatal. Last year’s Labour Day reporting period saw 27 people killed in 23 crashes across the state — a 35% rise from the year before, with 17 fatalities involving drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Ohio Department of Transportation reported.
Tow‑truck operators and other roadside personnel face significant danger when attending incidents. Juston Oehlers, director of operations at Platinum Towing and Recovery in Heath, Ohio, described the emotional reality of working metres from live traffic after more than two decades in the industry.
“When you step out on that; those white and yellow lines, I mean, it does run through your head, you know, am I going to get home to my family? And that’s just that’s the cold hard truth of it,” Oehlers said.
Even with flashing lights and personal protective equipment, roadside work can quickly become perilous if approaching motorists are speeding, impaired or distracted. In response, the Ohio Department of Transportation has scaled back active work zones where possible to ease congestion, while urging drivers to stay vigilant where construction continues.
Traffic enforcement and safety reminders
The Highway Patrol’s stepped‑up patrols form part of a wider effort to reduce collisions. Lt. Brice Nihiser of the Ohio State Highway Patrol urged motorists to observe basic road rules across the holiday weekend.
“Make sure that you’re following those basic traffic safety laws. Make sure that you’re following the speed limit. Make sure that you’re not distracted. Make sure that you’re driving sober, of course, and make sure that you’re wearing your seatbelt,” Nihiser said.
For South African holiday drivers, the Ohio measures offer practical reminders: enforcement presence can deter dangerous driving, but individual behaviour — avoiding impairment, obeying speed limits, staying focused and wearing seatbelts — remains the primary safeguard.
- Plan ahead: expect heavier traffic over long weekends and allow extra time for delays.
- Drive sober: impairment was a factor in the majority of last year’s holiday fatalities in Ohio.
- Avoid distractions: phones, navigation adjustments and eating while driving increase crash risk.
- Respect roadside workers: slow down and move over where possible when you see emergency or towing vehicles.
Holiday travel in South Africa often brings similar pressure on roads and roadside services. When roads are busy, emergency responders and tow operators may be working in close proximity to live lanes — a situation that requires extra caution from motorists.
| Metric | Ohio Labour Day reporting period (last year) |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 27 |
| Crashes | 23 |
| Deaths involving impairment | 17 |
Road safety campaigns and visible enforcement can reduce risky behaviour, but the most immediate effect comes from mindful driving. Whether travelling to a coastal holiday destination or visiting family inland, consider these simple precautions that protect you and the people who work to keep our roads safe.
Wherever you’re heading this holiday season, leave earlier rather than later, take regular rest breaks, share driving when possible and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. Those small steps help keep journeys safer for everyone — drivers and roadside crews alike.
