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Patrol, ODOT
partner to stop impaired driving
COLUMBUS – As of Monday, 1,070 people have been killed on Ohio roadways
this year. That’s a 9 percent increase over the same time last year. As
Ohioans prepare for holiday festivities, the Ohio State Highway Patrol
(OSHP) and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) want to urge safety
while driving on the roadways – especially remembering to always drive
sober – to avoid fatalities for the rest of the year.
Last year in Ohio, 24 people died in 23 crashes between Christmas Eve
and New Year’s Day. Of those crashes, nine were OVI-related, resulting
in ten deaths. OSHP will be out in full force this holiday season
removing dangerous and impaired drivers in an effort to reduce fatal
and injury crashes. OSHP arrested 628 drivers for OVI last year between
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
“We want motorists to understand that you have the power to make Ohio
roadways safer,” said Colonel Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent.
“Every time you designate a sober driver, prevent a drunk friend from
driving home, put on your safety belt or put down your phone while at
the wheel, you are contributing to safer roads and a safer Ohio.”
To illustrate the number of deaths on Ohio’s roadways this year, 1,070
chairs lined the back lawn of ODOT’s central office in Columbus Tuesday
morning. The visual depiction is a grave reminder that each traffic
fatality results in an empty seat at a family dinner table.
OSHP and ODOT partnered earlier this year to launch a safety initiative
to bring awareness to the high number of traffic deaths. Since July,
ODOT has been posting the number of fatalities, updated weekly, on more
than 130 digital message boards above the highway and several portable
message boards around the state. In July, the state had recorded 487
traffic deaths, a 19 percent increase over the previous year.
Overall, we are seeing higher increases in crashes involving
pedestrians, bicycles, older drivers, and large trucks. The majority of
traffic deaths have involved unbelted drivers and passengers, speed,
alcohol, and drivers under the age of 25.
"Our top priority is always safety," said ODOT Director Jerry Wray.
"The increased number of traffic deaths in Ohio is a great concern for
both ODOT and our partners at the Ohio State Highway Patrol. A greater
awareness before the holiday will hopefully result in one less death,
one less loss, and one more family celebrating rather than mourning.”
We all have a role in safety. The public is encouraged to use #677 to
report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity.
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