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 | Dec 23, 2019 | Blog
COLUMBUS, OH, Dec. 2019 – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive sober this holiday season. Troopers will focus on removing impaired drivers from our roadways in an effort to reduce fatal and injury crashes.
In 2018, there were 10 fatal crashes that killed 11 people during the five-day holiday period. Of the 10 fatalities in which safety belts were available, seven were unbelted. Additionally, five crashes and six fatalities were OVI related.
“Incidents of impaired driving increase during the holiday season as people visit family and friends,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Please don’t risk your life or the lives of others by getting behind the wheel while impaired.”
During last year’s reporting period, the Patrol made 405 arrests for OVI. Last year’s reporting period ran from Friday, December 21 through Tuesday, December 25. This year’s reporting period is December 24 and 25.
“We take impaired driving seriously and remain dedicated to promoting safety on Ohio’s roadways,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro. “You can 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.
