State Patrol targets Ohio impaired drivers

VW independent/submitted information

The Ohio State Highway Patrol remains committed to removing impaired drivers from Ohio’s roads before senseless tragedies occur. During the first 10 months of 2018, troopers made 22,432 arrests for impaired driving, resulting in 51 fewer OVI-related fatal crashes.

In 2017, there were 14,481 OVI-related crashes on Ohio roadways, killing 405 people and injuring 8,848 others. During that same period, troopers removed more than 27,000 impaired drivers from Ohio roadways. OVI-related crashes accounted for 35 percent of all fatal crashes in Ohio in 2017.

“We can’t fight the battle against impaired driving on our own — we need your commitment to make our roads safe,” said Van Wert Post Commander Lt. Jonathon Gray. “Everyone can help make our roads safer by planning ahead, designating a sober driver and insisting that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.”

The public is encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity, or stranded motorists.

To view a copy of the entire statistical recap, visit https://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/links/OVI_Bulletin_II_2018.pdf