Traffic Safety Starts with You - Thanksgiving

Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel periods each year. We’re all looking forward to getting together with family and old friends for a long holiday weekend of turkey, football, and fun.

The Mentor Police Department wants to remind drivers that traffic safety starts with you.

  • Drive safely and observe the posted speed limit
  • Be sure that you and all of your passengers are buckled up while driving
  • Don’t text and drive
  • If you are going to drink, make sure someone else is driving

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 18 fatal crashes in which 19 people were killed, including four instances of pedestrians being struck in our state during last year’s Thanksgiving reporting period.

Of the 14 crashes where pedestrians were not involved, safety belts were available but not used in 11 of the incidents. Within the same reporting period, alcohol and/or drugs were linked to 12 of the fatal crashes.

Mentor Police will be on patrol keeping an eye out for unsafe driving. Do your part to make sure everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.