by Wayne Ohio | Jan 4, 2021 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Jan. 4, 2021 — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting 10 deaths on Ohio’s roadways during the 2020-2021 New Year’s holiday according to provisional statistics. Two fatalities were the result of not wearing a safety belt when available, four were OVI-related and five were pedestrians. The four-day reporting period began at midnight Thursday, December 31, 2020 and ran through 11:59 p.m. on January 3, 2021. This is higher than the two-day reporting period last year, when four fatalities were reported.
Troopers made 3,979 traffic enforcement contacts; including 303 OVI arrests, 115 distracted driving and 478 safety belt citations.
The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity. A statistical analysis of the Patrol’s enforcement activity over the holiday is available at https://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/links/NewYearHoliday2021_PIO.1.pdf.
by Wayne Ohio | Dec 30, 2019 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Dec. 2019 – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers who intend to celebrate the New Year’s holiday to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. The Patrol’s zero-tolerance policy is part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign.
The New Year’s holiday reporting period begins Tuesday, December 31 at midnight and ends on Wednesday, January 1 at 11:59 p.m.
“There are many options to get home safely,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Planning ahead before you go out is not only the smart thing to do, it’s the right thing to do.”
Eleven fatal crashes killed 12 people during the four-day 2018-2019 New Year’s holiday reporting period. Seven of those crashes and fatalities were OVI related. Of the 9 fatalities in which safety belts were available, seven were unbelted.
During last year’s reporting period, the Patrol made 458 arrests for OVI. Last year’s reporting period ran from Friday, December 28 through Tuesday, January 1.
“We take impaired driving seriously and remain dedicated to enforcing Ohio’s OVI laws,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro. “We can’t fight the battle against impaired driving on our own – we need your commitment to make our roads safe. You can help us save lives and make our roads safer when you designate a sober driver.”
The Patrol reminds drivers to plan ahead, designate a sober driver or make other arrangements. Motorists are encouraged to report impaired drivers and drug activity to the Patrol by calling #677.
Posted by Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County Government.
