The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be out in full force for saint patricks day, stepping up visibility across the state as part of a national campaign to deter impaired driving. Troopers will patrol roadways during the holiday under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” initiative, officials announced.
Saint Patricks Day: Patrol Visibility and Enforcement
The patrol said troopers will be highly visible across Ohio during the holiday period, with an emphasis on keeping impaired drivers off the roads. The enforcement push aligns with the national safety campaign and is intended to remind celebrants that increased law enforcement presence will be in effect.
Holiday Crash Data and Impaired Driving
Data from the patrol show that over the past five years there were 16 deaths from crashes occurring on saint patricks day in Ohio. More than half of those fatal crashes were attributed to impaired driving, a statistic officials highlighted to underscore the risks tied to holiday drinking and driving.
Safety Steps for Celebrants and How to Report Impaired Drivers
Officials urged people planning to celebrate to make a safe-ride plan. Gov. Mike DeWine said, “Law enforcement will be out in full force around the state this St. Patrick’s Day, so I encourage those planning to celebrate to also plan for a safe ride home. ” Col. Charles Jones, patrol superintendent, added, “If you choose to drink, make the responsible choice to designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service. Don’t let a day of celebration end in a lifetime of regret. “
The patrol asked residents to help keep roadways safe and provided a direct reporting option for suspected impaired drivers: call #677 to connect with the nearest post. Officials reiterated that a single night of drinking can have deadly consequences when plans are not made in advance to get home safely.
With enforcement heightened and recent holiday crash figures underscoring the stakes, the patrol’s message to Ohioans is clear: plan ahead, use sober transportation options, and report unsafe drivers so authorities can intervene.
