Ohio State Highway Patrol issues stern warning against drinking and driving over holiday

COLUMBUS, OH (TiffinOhio.net News) — The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be highly visible and cracking down on impaired drivers during the Fourth of July holiday reporting period, which begins at midnight Wednesday, July 3 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 7. 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 drive carefully and follow all traffic laws.

During last year’s Fourth of July reporting period from July 3 through July 4, a total of four fatal cras hes killed eight people. This includes one OVI-related fatal crash which killed three people. The Patrol recorded 302 OVI arrests during the reporting period.

“When someone chooses to drive impaired, the consequences can be deadly,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent. “If you plan to drink, help make everyone’s holiday safe by designating a sober ride home.”

Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.