Darke County Sheriff Mark Whittaker wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season. He reminds motorists to obey local traffic laws, wear safety belts and use appropriate child restraints. Do not engage in distracted driving. At 55 mph a vehicle covers 80.6 feet in one second. You can cover the distance of over half a football field in 2 seconds.
Deputies have observed increased speeding in the more heavily traveled roads of Darke County. So far in 2021 there have been 195 injury crashes and 660 non-injury crashes on Darke County roadways. There have been 9 traffic fatalities to date for 2021 and that is 9 too many. Unfortunately, the number of 9 fatalities has remained the same for 2019 and 2020. Sheriff Whittaker is asking motorists to slow down so that you may arrive at your destinations safely. I am sure your family will appreciate it.
In an effort to remind motorists to travel safely during this holiday season, beginning this evening, the Darke County Sheriff’s Office will staff additional deputies on the roadways for traffic enforcement. This increased presence will take place at different times over the next two weeks. While a minor traffic violation may only get you a warning, Operating Vehicles while Intoxicated (OVI) on drugs or alcohol will not be tolerated and you will be arrested and charged.