Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) are urging drivers to designate a sober driver before celebrating the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that often involves high consumption of alcohol. OSHP will work with local law enforcement to remove impaired drivers as part of the National Highway Safety Administration’s Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign.
St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night to celebrate with friends and family. However, due to impaired drivers, it has also become a very dangerous night on Ohio’s roadways. A total of 276 people died due to drunk-driving crashes on St. Patrick’s Day from 2009-2013, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“We want to encourage all motorists to make a plan for a sober ride home before you start celebrating,” said Paul A. Pride, Patrol superintendent. “Between your friends, public transportation and ride-sharing services, there’s no excuse to get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.”
For bars and permit holders, over-serving or serving underage customers could also mean costly fines, suspension or revocation of their liquor permit. The Ohio Investigative Unit and other safety partners have been working to educate motorists and permit holders of these consequences in advance reminding people of the dangers of driving impaired, and that over-serving is against the law.
As always, motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report drug activity or impaired drivers.
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