Highway Patrol going “All Out” to Combat Motor Vehicle Crashes

GALLIPOLIS/POMEROY- Don’t be surprised when you see an increase in traffic patrol if you are out and about on a Friday this summer. Traffic crashes including fatalities are on the rise in Southeastern Ohio and local law enforcement is attempting to change that trend.

We have asked officers to concentrate on high crash areas that include US 35 in Gallia County and US 33 in Meigs County. Unless deemed necessary, all Highway Patrol Troopers will spend the entire day actively working the road on Fridays promoting public safety and will not report to their assigned posts.

Assistance from the Gallia and Meigs County Sheriff’s Offices has been solicited and each has dedicated manpower to the effort. The combined law enforcement presence will help to deter motorists from committing crash causing violations.

Motorists who are not wearing seatbelts will also be addressed. Drivers have failed to wear seatbelts in 50% of the fatalities investigated by the Gallipolis Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol thus far in 2015. Both of these drivers were ejected from their vehicles.

As always, the Patrol asks drivers to call # 677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.