COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) _ The Ohio State Highway Patrol says 11 people died in traffic crashes over Labor Day weekend this year.

The patrol says that was one fewer death than during the same four-day period last year. There were 16 the year before that.

Of the 11 total fatal crashes, alcohol was a factor in at least four of them. Two of the fatalities were motorcycle riders who were not wearing helmets.

Troopers arrested 723 motorists for drunken or impaired driving, about 11 percent fewer than last year. More than 6,200 motorists were cited for failing to use safety belts. 

Troopers increased overall contact with motorists by 3 percent over the long weekend this year.