CINCINNATI — The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) said it will dedicate more time this holiday week to prevent crashes and deaths on roadways.
The Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest times on roads. OSHP said it has deployed more troopers out to get impaired drivers off the roadways, before they cause a deadly crash.
The agency's "zero-tolerance" policy is part of the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement campaign. Organizers said they will be "highly visible" Monday and Tuesday.
In addition to driving sober, troopers urge drivers and passengers to buckle up, drive safely, and follow all traffic laws. OSHP asks drivers to put cellphones down and to not drive while distracted.
“I would say on a holiday weekend, the most common thing would be people driving too fast," Sgt. Joshua Patrick said.
He said even when a driver is pulled over for speeding, OSHP is also checking for signs of impairment.
During last year's Fourth of July reporting period, there were a total of 16 deadly crashes on Ohio highways. Nearly a dozen of those crashes involved alcohol or drugs.
OSHP is also reminding drivers to slow down or pull over for stopped law enforcement vehicles.
“I understand that you can’t always get over, but all we expect people to do is just slow down as they go by," Patrick said.
He is also reminding drivers to drive defensively and look out for other drivers who appear distracted or intoxicated.
If you see someone who you believe is driving while impaired, you are encouraged to call 911.
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