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Any driver should not have to be repeatedly warned regarding the hazards of drinking and driving. Of course the worst case scenario is an accident resulting in death or grave injury. It happens much than it should
It seems many drivers take, well, a holiday from sensible driving whenever a holiday does come along.
Especially with warm weather holidays. Tomorrow, of course, is the Fourth of July and all the celebrations that come with. As it should be. Our wish here is for all of our readers to have a great time today and Tuesday. If part of your enjoyment including drinking alcoholic beverages do so with caution. And, don't drive if buzzed or impaired. A problem with many is that they never think they are as drunk as they really are.
Our fine folks with the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be highly visible and cracking down on impaired drivers during the Fourth of July holiday reporting period, which began at midnight this morning and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.
According to a press release, the Patrol's zero-tolerance policy is part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign aimed at removing impaired drivers from the roadways. Many Fourth of July celebrations involve alcohol, which increases the possibility of impaired driving. Therefore, the Patrol urges motorists to buckle up, drive safely and follow all traffic laws.
So be smart, be safe and enjoy your holiday. Don't be so foolish that you get in an accident. Or get ticketed and face the financial and legal consequences that follow that.
"Ohio has some of the country's best Fourth of July celebrations and we want to make sure that these gatherings are safe for everyone," said Governor Mike DeWine.
During last year's Fourth of July reporting period, from July 1 through 4, a total of 16 fatal crashes killed 16 people. Of those, 11 crashes and 11 fatalities involved alcohol and/or drugs. Of the seven fatalities in which safety belts were available, five were unbelted. There were seven motorcyclists and two pedestrians also killed during this time frame.
"Too often our troopers see the tragic side of holiday celebrations," said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. "When you operate a vehicle impaired, you're putting the lives of everyone on our roadways at risk."
The Patrol also made 447 OVI arrests during the reporting period.
Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.