Highway Patrol Goes After Impaired Drivers

The Ohio Highway Patrol, which launched a Trooper Shield effort this year to target impaired driving, reports that traffic fatalities are down 9 percent.

Through October of this year, fatalities caused by motor vehicle crashes in Ohio are down when compared to the same period last year – with 824 deaths so far in 2011 and 902 in 2010.

In addition, the Patrol has arrested 934 more drivers for driving impaired when compared to the same time period in 2010.

Last year, 40 percent of all fatal crashes were OVI-related.

“Our troopers are out on the roads everyday trying to make Ohio a safer place to live, work and travel,” Col. John Born, Patrol superintendent, said in a news release. “We are encouraged that – statewide - traffic crash fatalities are down and OVI arrests are up – and we hope to continue this trend through the upcoming holiday season.”

The Patrol urges motorists to make smart decisions - plan ahead and designate a sober driver or call a taxi to ensure that everyone makes it home safe. If everyone does their part, fatalities caused by motor vehicle crashes could continue to decline and save many families from the heartache of losing a loved one.

See a dangerous or impaired driver or a stranded motorist? Call 1-877-7-PATROL.