Troopers Report Mostly Safe July Fourth Travel Period
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (July 8, 2026) – Local state troopers say drivers were generally well-behaved during the four-day Independence Day travel period.
Ohio State Highway Patrol New Philadelphia Post Commander Lt. Bryan Sponaugle says troopers made 356 enforcement stops Thursday through Sunday in Tuscarawas and Carroll counties, including 40 seat belt citations and one OVI arrest.
Sponaugle says the post led the Cambridge District with 26 crashes, seven of which involved injuries, but no fatalities.
Statewide, the patrol says 18 people died in 18 traffic crashes during this year’s July Fourth reporting period.