by Dan Starcher | Mar 15, 2022 | Blog, Uncategorized
COLUMBUS, OHIO, Mar. 15, 2022 – The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be joining forces with law enforcement throughout the country to focus on traffic safety and crash reduction during the Operation CARE Spring Break/St. Patrick’s Day Mobilization. The initiative began on Saturday, March 12 at 12:01 a.m. and will continue through Sunday, March 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Ohio has continued to see an increase in fatal crashes over the last few years. The campaign is used to help law enforcement educate drivers on the dangers of driving impaired, without a seatbelt and distracted.
“We will have an increased presence of law enforcement, as more people travel to and from their spring break destination this year,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro. “And as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations begin, please make sure you’re properly wearing safety belts and designating a sober driver. Your actions can influence friends and family to make the same choices.”
CARE, Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort, is a section within the International Chiefs of Police. CARE provides law enforcement with information, training, and a forum for discussion on roadway safety issues.
by Wayne Ohio | Oct 7, 2021 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Oct. 7, 2021 — The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be joining forces with other members of the 6-State Trooper Project to focus on speed, safety belt, and OVI enforcement on Interstate 70. The initiative will begin on Friday, October 8 at 12:01 a.m. and will continue through Sunday, October 10 at 11:59 p.m.
The high-visibility enforcement will include the Indiana State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and OSHP.
Since 2020, there have been more than 4,700 crashes on I-70 in Ohio, including 27 fatal crashes. Of the 27 fatal crashes, 56 percent involved alcohol and/or drugs and 26 percent were speed-related. Troopers have arrested nearly 1,000 motorists impaired by alcohol and/or drugs on I-70 since 2020.
“Every traffic stop we make is a chance for our troopers to educate motorists on safe driving habits,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent. “We are committed to reducing unsafe driving behaviors on all of Ohio’s roadways, including the more than 225 miles that make up Interstate 70.”
The 6-State Trooper Project is a multi-state law enforcement partnership aimed at providing combined and coordinated law enforcement and security services in the areas of highway safety, criminal patrol, and intelligence sharing.
by Wayne Ohio | Aug 23, 2021 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Aug. 23, 2021 – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging motorists to drive sober. During the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which runs from August 20 to September 6, troopers will focus enforcement efforts on removing impaired drivers from Ohio’s roadways. Motorists can do their part in keeping the roadways safe by following all traffic laws, never driving impaired, and always designating a sober driver. In 2020, there were 13,141 OVI-related crashes, which resulted in 685 deaths and 7,981 injuries.
“Sadly, impaired drivers put innocent lives in danger all too often, which makes enforcement efforts like this extremely important,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Planning ahead to ensure you have a safe and sober driver can save your life and the lives of others.”
Of those OVI-related crashes, 55 percent of at-fault drivers were between 21 and 39 years old, while 72 percent were male. In 2020, troopers arrested 16,530 drivers for OVI.
“Our priority is making Ohio’s roads safe for everyone,” added Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent. “We remain dedicated to removing impaired drivers from our roadways and educating motorists of the dangers it presents.”
Motorists are encouraged to dial #677 to report impaired drivers and drug activity to the Patrol.
Additional information on OVI-related crashes is available on the Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) dashboard and the Patrol’s OVI Dashboard at the following links:
https://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/ostats.aspx
https://www.OVIDashboard.ohio.gov
by Wayne Ohio | Feb 5, 2021 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Feb. 5, 2021 — Super Bowl Sunday is one of America’s highest-profile and most entertaining sporting events. While this year’s festivities will look different, the Ohio State Highway Patrol urges fans to refrain from driving while impaired. If you plan on consuming alcohol, don’t drive. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver.
To help keep the roads safe this Super Bowl Sunday, troopers will be cracking down on impaired drivers. You can also help others make good choices by reminding them that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
During last year’s Super Bowl, the Patrol made 68 OVI arrests from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, the highest number in five years. During the 24-hour reporting period, there were three fatal crashes killing three people. Also, there were 218 injuries, of which 23 were OVI-related.
If you host a Super Bowl party, make sure your guests have a safe and sober way home and do not serve alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age.
“The Patrol is committed to removing impaired drivers from our roadways,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent. “Your decision not to drive impaired shows you value your own safety as well as the safety of motorists around you. Your actions can also influence your friends and family to make the same choice.”
The public is encouraged to use #677 to report impaired drivers and drug activity.
by Wayne Ohio | Nov 24, 2020 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Nov. 24, 2020 – While this Thanksgiving may look different, the Ohio State Highway Patrol expects many motorists to travel on Ohio’s roadways for the upcoming holiday. Before motorists hit the road, troopers want to make sure they are taking the proper safety measures by driving sober and wearing their safety belts.
Troopers will be highly visible and cracking down on impaired driving and those failing to wear a safety belt from Wednesday, November 25 at midnight through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 29.
“We take impaired driving seriously and remain dedicated to promoting safety on Ohio’s roadways,” added Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent. “We need motorists to commit to keeping our roads safe by planning ahead, designating a sober driver, and insisting that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.”
Many Thanksgiving celebrations involve alcohol, which increases the possibility of impaired driving. During last year’s Thanksgiving reporting period, November 27 through December 1, there were 15 fatal crashes in which 18 people were killed. Of those 18 killed, eight were not wearing available safety belts and seven of the crashes involved alcohol and/or drugs. The Patrol also made 391 arrests for impaired driving.
Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity, or stranded motorists.
Posted by By Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County government.
