Patrol Urges Sober Driving and Safety Belt Use to Ensure Safe End to 2013

OHIO – With the upcoming New Year’s Holiday, the Patrol is asking motorists to help bring a safe end to 2013 by not driving impaired and ensuring everyone in your vehicle is buckled-up. Last year in Ohio, seven people died in OVI-related crashes between Christmas and New Year’s.

During this year’s two-day Christmas Holiday reporting period of 12:00 a.m. December 24 through 11:59 p.m. on December 25, seven people were killed in six fatal crashes, with two of the fatal crashes attributed to impaired driving. For a complete statistical recap of the Patrol’s Holiday enforcement visit www.statepatrol.ohio.gov.

“We are seeing positive results from the hard work of our troopers on the road everyday removing impaired and dangerous drivers from the roadways,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “We need everyone’s help during the next week to ensure a safe end to 2013.”

Troopers continue to crack down on impaired drivers- so far this year, troopers have arrested over 23, 000 motorists for impaired driving.

The public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report impaired drivers and drug activity.