MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) has launched a series of two-week, high-visibility enforcement initiatives aimed at removing impaired drivers from roadways and reducing OVI-related crashes across the state.
These coordinated efforts involve troopers stopping drivers and identifying those operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, according to the OSHP.
“The decision to drive impaired affects every single motorist and family in Ohio,” said Major David R. Brown, Office of Field Operations. “Our focus during these two-week periods is a reminder that impaired driving will not be tolerated, and the Patrol is committed to making our roads safer for everyone.”
Impaired driving remains a leading contributor to fatal and serious injury crashes in Ohio. OSHP statistics show that there have been 68,294 OVI-related crashes statewide since the beginning of 2020, resulting in 3,507 fatalities. In response, troopers have made 92,195 OVI-related arrests over the same timeframe.
The OSHP is working to systematically reduce the number of OVI-related fatal and serious injury crashes by increasing patrols and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy.
The Patrol emphasized that ensuring road safety is a shared responsibility. Motorists can help by designating a sober driver, using a rideshare service, or riding public transportation.
The public is encouraged to safely call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers. Additional statistics on OVI-related crashes are available on the Patrol’s Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) OVI Dashboard.