The Patrol sends a reminder to not drive impaired, which is in line with their Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
Many may partake in alcohol consumption over the New Year holiday and Ohio State Highway Patrol New Philadelphia Post Lt. Johnnie Maier says to do so safely.
“We encourage you to enjoy the holiday with each other but to do it in a way that’s safe for you and other motorists, and we’re not going to tolerate impaired driving, and we will be out there on those holidays, and we will take the necessary action is we are encountered with impaired drivers. Impaired driving accounts for just over 50-percent of the fatal crash over the last several years. Because of that we continue to make this a priority and will continue to make this a priority.”
Maier encourages individuals to plan ahead.
“If you know that you’re going to be at a holiday party, you need to drink responsibly and designate someone as a driver.”
During last year’s reporting period, statewide, there were six crashes resulting in seven fatalities. Troopers also made 272 OVI arrests.
Motorists are encouraged to report impaired drivers by dialing #677 to reach the nearest Patrol Post.
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