GALLIPOLIS — The Memorial Day weekend was quiet for troopers at the Gallia-Meigs Post of the State Highway Patrol who reported only two minor accidents, one involving a deer and the other involving a mailbox, which both occurred on May 29.

In the rest of the state, the patrol reported 10 people were killed in traffic crashes over the weekend, four fewer deaths than the same period last year.

One of the crashes resulted in a double fatality which occurred on Lockbourne Road at 5:36 a.m. in Franklin County on May 26.

Troopers across the state arrested 694 impaired drivers and assisted 6,998 motorists.

Of the nine crashes, three involved alcohol.

“We are encouraged by fewer fatalities this Memorial Day weekend. However, Ohioans need to focus on motorcycle safety due to four of the 10 fatalities being motorcyclists,” said Patrol Superintendent Col. Richard H. Collins.

The patrol and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) kicked off Motorcycle Awareness Month at the beginning of May with a series of safety tips including ride trained/ride licensed, ride sober and encouraging drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists.

“Continuing our partnership with the AMA for Ride Smart. Drive Smart. maintains a focus on motorcycle safety for all motorists during the riding season,” said Collins. “The only way to significantly reduce motorcycle fatalities is for everyone to share the road and to understand their responsibilities and contributions toward safe travel on our roadways.”

According to the patrol, there were 4,232 crashes involving motorcycles in 2006, which included 157 motorcyclist fatalities.

Motorcyclist deaths accounted for almost 13 percent of the state’s traffic fatalities for the year.

For more information visit home.ama-cycle.org/newsroom or www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/motorcycle.htm.