Ohio Turnpike, Ohio State Highway Patrol Urge Motorists to Practice Safe Driving over Thanksgiving Holiday.

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) are reminding all motorists to buckle up, driver sober and avoid distractions behind the wheel.

“We have much to be thankful for and we’d like to see everyone arrive safely for the holidays,” said Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed, P.E., of the Turnpike Commission. “Plan ahead, leave early and take a break if you need to at one of our conveniently located 14 service plazas.”

To accommodate an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving travel period, construction in work zones across the Ohio Turnpike will be limited to two work zones from Wednesday (Nov. 26) through Sunday (Nov. 30). At least two lanes of traffic in both the eastbound and westbound directions will remain open across the Ohio Turnpike.

During the 2024 Thanksgiving travel period, Wednesday through Sunday, 800,000 vehicle transactions were recorded and nearly 50 million vehicle miles were traveled.

“Weather conditions across the northern counties are currently looking favorable, but as we all know, this is Ohio — things can change quickly,” said Chief Engineer and Deputy Executive Director Chris Matta, P.E. “If snow does arrive, please give our snowplow operators the space they need to work safely. Never pass them on the right, and always maintain a distance of at least 200 feet behind them.”

To promote roadway safety ahead of Thanksgiving Day, the Turnpike Commission partnered with the OSHP and other organizations for a Customer Appreciation Event to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Middle Ridge Service Plaza (milepost 139.5 westbound) in Amherst.

Over the last five years (25 total days) during the Thanksgiving Holiday reporting period, OSHP troopers have issued more than 1,200 speed citations on the Ohio Turnpike, including nearly 500 for speeds of 20 mph or more over the limit.

“As motorists, there are many choices within our control when we get behind the wheel,” said OSHP Sgt. Ryan Purpura. “Wearing your safety belt, staying focused, driving sober and obeying the speed limit are simple steps that will make this Thanksgiving travel period safer for everyone. This holiday is about family, friends and loved ones coming together, and we do not want a preventable mistake to turn celebration into tragedy.”

The motoring public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired or reckless drivers and stranded motorists.