COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOWO) — Ohio drivers are being urged to plan ahead, slow down in work zones and never drive impaired as state officials prepare for increased traffic during the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Ohio Traffic Safety Office are preparing for what is expected to be one of the busier travel periods of the summer, with troopers increasing their presence on Ohio roadways.
The warning comes after a deadly Labor Day travel period last year.
During the 2025 Labor Day reporting period, 27 people were killed in 23 crashes across Ohio — a 35% increase in fatalities compared with the previous year.
Alcohol or drugs were involved in 15 of those crashes, resulting in 17 deaths, according to state officials.
The numbers are prompting another statewide emphasis on preventing impaired driving as Ohio joins a national campaign urging motorists to drive sober.
The 2026 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” high-visibility enforcement campaign continues through Sept. 7.
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will have an increased presence on the state’s roadways during the holiday weekend, looking for impaired drivers and other dangerous driving behavior.
Officials are encouraging anyone who plans to drink to arrange a sober ride before heading out.
The safety effort comes as millions of Americans are expected to travel for the unofficial end of summer, increasing traffic on major highways and potentially creating longer drive times.
Road construction could add to those delays.
ODOT says it will reduce the size and scope of active work zones as much as possible to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic.
That does not mean every construction zone will be removed.
Drivers could still encounter lane restrictions, construction equipment and changing traffic patterns, and ODOT is reminding motorists to remain especially alert when traveling through those areas.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down and leave additional space between vehicles when approaching work zones.
Motorists should also plan ahead for possible delays rather than trying to make up time by speeding or making aggressive driving maneuvers.
For travelers who want to monitor conditions during their trips, ODOT recommends the OHGO app.
The app provides real-time traffic alerts, access to more than 1,300 traffic cameras and information about current work zones throughout Ohio.
Checking traffic conditions before leaving can help motorists identify congestion and construction-related delays and give them an opportunity to adjust their route or departure time.
State officials are also reminding drivers about the basics that can make a major difference during a busy holiday weekend: buckle up, obey posted speed limits, pay attention to changing traffic conditions and avoid distractions behind the wheel.
But impaired driving remains a major focus.
The 17 deaths involving alcohol- or drug-impaired drivers during last year’s Labor Day reporting period demonstrate the potentially deadly consequences of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or taking drugs that can affect driving ability.
The increased patrols are intended both to deter impaired driving and to remove dangerous drivers from Ohio roads.
Officials say anyone who plans to consume alcohol should make arrangements for a designated driver, rideshare service, taxi or another safe way home.
The Labor Day reporting period continues through the holiday, and the heightened enforcement effort will remain in place through Sept. 7.
For drivers heading out across Ohio, state transportation and safety officials say the safest trip starts before the vehicle leaves the driveway: know the route, check traffic conditions, allow extra time for construction and congestion, and make sure a sober driver is behind the wheel.
