Police: Don't Let a Holiday Turn Into a Tragedy

Just like any other holiday, people will be traveling across Ohio this weekend. The and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are urging drivers to not drive impaired.

Throughout last year’s Labor Day reporting period of Friday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. through Monday, Sept. 6 at 11:59 p.m., 11 people were killed on Ohio roadways, including six that were alcohol-related. During this same time period troopers arrested 539 drivers for OVI.

"The Stow Police Department participates in state-wide campaigns such as the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative," said Police Chief Louis Dirker. "We want our citizens to enjoy the holidays and encourage them not to have what should be a great time with family and friends end up in tragedy due to a crash or an arrest due to drunk driving. Remember: Friends and family members do not let friends or family members drive drunk."

Troopers will be conducting and participating in sobriety checkpoints across the state over the holiday weekend. This is a continued effort that began August 19 when state troopers and thousands of law enforcement officers in communities throughout Ohio joined forces for a combined impaired driving enforcement effort as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown. This enforcement initiative will last through Labor Day.

Troopers and the local police department will be out in full force removing impaired drivers from Ohio’s roadways. 

“So far this year traffic crash fatalities are down and OVI arrests are up – and we hope to continue this trend over the holiday weekend,” said Col. John Born, superintendent of the patrol. “Motorists need to make smart decisions, they need to plan ahead and designate a sober driver or call a taxi to ensure that everyone makes it home safe.” 

Troopers encourage the public to continue using 1-877-7-PATROL to report impaired or dangerous drivers, as well as stranded motorists.