Columbus, Ohio – As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer, Ohio is preparing for what could be its busiest holiday road traffic in history. With millions of people hitting the highways to gather with friends and family, state officials are urging drivers to stay vigilant and cautious while traveling.
Historic Travel Forecast Meets Roadway Safety Push
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), an estimated 45.1 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles from home during the long weekend — up by 1.4 million compared to 2024. This year’s projection could set a record for Memorial Day travel and brings both anticipation and concern from state leaders.
“Memorial Day is a busy time on Ohio’s roads as many Ohioans travel to spend time with family and friends,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage all drivers to be alert and prioritize safety behind the wheel.”
In 2023, Memorial Day traffic in Ohio led to a tragic outcome. Twenty-six lives were lost in 22 fatal crashes over the four-day holiday period. This year, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will step up enforcement efforts, focusing particularly on impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts.
“As we gather with friends and family this Memorial Day weekend to honor those who gave their lives in support of freedom, let’s not forget that safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Wear your safety belt, stay focused and never drive impaired. The decisions you make could save a life.”
Travelers are also encouraged to report dangerous or impaired drivers and drug activity by dialing #677.
Construction Zones and Traffic Hotspots to Watch
Adding to the expected traffic challenges, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has nearly 1,000 active construction projects underway across the state. Though ODOT will work closely with contractors to reduce or temporarily suspend construction zones where possible, some delays remain unavoidable.
Drivers should expect potential slowdowns along I-75 in Dayton and Cincinnati, I-70 through Columbus and Zanesville, and both I-76 and I-77 in Akron.
“There will be a lot of people traveling for Memorial Day and it is very important for drivers to focus, be aware, and give their full attention to the road and their surroundings,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “Simple things like buckling up, obeying the speed limit, driving sober, and putting down the distractions can be the difference between a memorable holiday and a tragic one.”
For those planning to travel, ODOT encourages checking OHGO.com for up-to-date information on work zones, live traffic conditions, and county-by-county advisories. More than 1,000 live traffic cameras are available to help travelers make informed decisions about their routes.
Keeping Roads Safe with ODOT Safety Patrol
The ODOT Safety Patrol, sponsored by GEICO, plays a vital role during high-volume travel periods like Memorial Day. Their mission is to maintain smooth traffic flow, particularly in Ohio’s largest metropolitan areas. With more incidents likely during this busy holiday, officials ask drivers to remain proactive.
Simple steps such as checking your fuel levels before departing and watching out for other drivers can prevent unnecessary delays and accidents.
Additionally, Ohio’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes for stationary public safety vehicles with flashing lights. If it’s not safe to move over, drivers must slow down. This rule is in place to protect law enforcement, construction crews, and other essential roadside workers.
