COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is reminding drivers that luck is not a strategy when it comes to being safe behind the wheel ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.
Troopers will be highly visible on roadways across the state in an effort to remove impaired drivers as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” campaign.
“Law enforcement will be out in full force around the state this St. Patrick’s Day, so I encourage those planning to celebrate to also plan for a safe ride home,” said Governor Mike DeWine.
St. Patrick’s Day if often recognized nationally as a time for adults to get together and drink alcohol at bars, restaurants or at someone’s home. Unfortunately, one night of drinking can lead to deadly consequences if plans aren’t made ahead of time to get home safely.
The Patrol is asking everyone traveling on our roadways to contribute to a safer Ohio by:
Designating a sober driver: Before your celebration begins, establish a sober driver. If plans change, call a friend or rideshare service. Never assume you are safe to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Knowing the different types of impairment: Troopers are not just looking for those impaired by alcohol. They are specifically trained to detect impairment from marijuana and other drugs that negatively impact driving ability.
Knowing the consequences: An OVI conviction carries penalties, including the potential for jail time, heavy fines and license suspension. These consequences seem severe but are minor compared to carrying the lifelong burden of taking someone’s life in a crash.
“If you choose to drink, make the responsible choice to designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service,” said Col. Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Don’t let a day of celebration end in a lifetime of regret.”
To prevent deadly consequences, troopers maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward impaired driving. According to Patrol statistics, there were 16 fatal crashes, resulting in 16 total fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day over the last five years.
Of those fatal crashes, 56 percent were the result of impaired driving.
The OSHP is committed to improving the safety of everyone living in and traveling through Ohio, but we can’t do it alone. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, safely call #677 to connect directly with your nearest post.