The Ohio State Highway Patrol is encouraging drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel
impaired this weekend in an effort to have a holiday weekend free of fatal and injury crashes.
The Fourth of July weekend is traditionally a dangerous holiday period on Ohio roads, particularly for
impaired driving crashes. During last year’s holiday, nearly 50 percent of the 15 people killed on Ohio
roadways were involved in alcohol-related crashes.
"We are asking motorists that are partaking in holiday celebrations to designate a sober driver or
call a taxi to assure that they arrive safely at their destination," Colonel Richard H. Collins,
superintendent of the patrol, said. "Troopers will be out in full force this weekend to apprehend
those that do not heed this warning. If you are driving impaired – we will arrest you."
Motorists should also be reminded that wearing a safety belt is the single most effective tool in
reducing injuries and deaths in crashes caused by impaired drivers.
The patrol’s efforts are being conducted in conjunction with a national effort to reduce impaired driving
incidents and crashes. Increased and specialized enforcement is made possible through federal overtime
funding and works in conjunction with Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort).
Troopers encourage the public to continue using 1-877-7-PATROL to report dangerous drivers or stranded
motorists, or 1-800-GRAB DUI to report impaired drivers.