The Ohio State Highway Patrol says Ohio recorded its lowest number of Memorial Day weekend traffic fatalities in 18 years.

According to provisional data from OSHP, six people were killed in traffic crashes during the four-day holiday reporting period. This year’s reporting period ran from Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25.

During that time, troopers made 16,490 traffic enforcement contacts across the state. That included 355 impaired driving arrests, 66 drug arrests, and 2,090 safety belt citations.

The Patrol also reported 9,179 non-enforcement contacts, including 1,647 motorist assists.

The historically low fatality number comes one week after OSHP conducted its first-ever statewide enforcement initiative aimed at deterring and intercepting impaired drivers.

That coordinated operation included local Patrol posts, more than 100 local law enforcement agencies, and the Ohio Department of Transportation. It resulted in more than 18,500 vehicle checks, 158 impaired driving arrests, and four felony arrests. Of those impaired driving arrests, 51 came from drivers traveling through a checkpoint location.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also had heightened OVI enforcement on both water and land during the three-day period.

In addition to enforcement, troopers and partnering agencies focused on public education and awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. Troopers and Mothers Against Drunk Driving victim advocates reminded motorists that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is preventable, and that designating a sober driver or using a rideshare service is always the safest choice.

Motorists are reminded that roadway safety is a shared responsibility. Anyone who sees dangerous or impaired driving, or suspected drug activity, can call #677 to report it.