Patrol Warns Against Drinking and Driving this July Fourth

COLUMBUS –The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be out in full force cracking down on impaired drivers the entire Fourth of July weekend, which begins Thursday, July 3 and ends Sunday, July 6. Their zero-tolerance policy is part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign aimed at removing impaired drivers from the roadways.

Last Fourth of July, the Patrol made 291 OVI arrests from Tuesday, July 3 at Midnight through Wednesday, July 4 at 11:59 p.m. During this time, five fatal crashes resulted in six deaths. One crash was OVI-related, resulting in one death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the last five years, 756 people lost their lives nationwide in crashes involving drivers with a BAC of .08 or more during the July Fourth holiday period.

“By making smart decisions, motorists can help avoid the tragedies that follow driving impaired,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “Things like planning ahead and designating a sober driver can save lives.”

The Patrol also urges drivers to buckle up, as safety belts saved an estimated 12,174 lives nationwide in 2012, according to NHTSA. During the 2013 Fourth of July holiday, four of the six individuals killed in Ohio were not wearing safety belts.

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