Besides snow and ice, Ohio drivers have another reason to drive carefully during the holiday season.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol recently announced a push to target accident-causing traffic violations including too-close driving, failing to yield, improper passing/lane change, and unsafe speed. Troopers will also target aggressive and impaired driving as well as driver inattention.

The push, which will last through the end of the year, aims to slow the rising number of fatalities on Ohio roadways.

As of Friday, the highway patrol reports that there have been 51 more Ohio roadway fatalities so far this year than there were at this time last year.

So far this year, there have been 992 fatalities on Ohio roadways compared to 941 at this time in 2009. Last year was the lowest fatality rate in Ohio history.

“Obviously any time someone dies that’s a huge increase, to me and to the patrol that’s a huge jump,” Sgt. Doug Debord, of the OSHP, said.

Debord said the increase can be traced to speed and alcohol.

The patrol is also encouraging drivers to be careful driving during inclement weather, According to the National Weather Service, the forecast calls for a slight chance of snow showers today, with a high near 31. Tonight there is a chance of snow showers after 2 a.m. and a low around 24.

The highway patrol also recommends the following tips for driving in snow and ice:

• Allow extra time to get to your destination.

• Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic ahead.

• Pay attention to the roadways and weather conditions, as they can change rapidly.

• Always pay close attention to bridges and overpasses, as they are often the first to freeze over.

• If you do slide off the side of the road, stay with your vehicle and call the Patrol at 1-877-7-PATROL.

• If you get stuck in snow, make sure that your tail pipe is free of all snow and debris, to decrease your chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Call 1-877-7-PATROL (1-877-772-8765) to report aggressive or impaired drivers.