As the festive season approaches and friends and families gather for winter celebrations, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is issuing a crucial reminder about the dangers of impaired driving. With an increase in celebrations comes an increase in the risk of accidents related to alcohol and drug use. Governor Mike DeWine emphasizes the importance of planning for a sober ride home, stating, “As we gather with loved ones for winter celebrations, it’s important to remember that impaired driving has no place on Ohio’s roads.”
Historically, December has been one of the deadliest months on Ohio’s roads, primarily due to a surge in impaired driving incidents. The OSHP is intensifying enforcement efforts this month, adopting a zero-tolerance stance towards anyone operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. The statistics are alarming: since 2020, there have been 69,061 crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs, resulting in 3,896 deaths, approximately 54% of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state.
To combat these dire statistics, the OSHP encourages every driver to take personal responsibility. Here are key safety tips to consider:
- Designate a Sober Driver: Plan ahead by choosing a sober driver before your celebration begins. If your plans change, don’t hesitate to call a friend or a rideshare service. It’s essential never to assume you’re safe to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
- Understand Impairment: Impairment isn’t solely related to alcohol. OSHP troopers are trained to recognize impairment from marijuana and other drugs that can significantly impact driving abilities.
- Know the Consequences: Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) conviction can lead to serious penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and license suspension. These consequences are minor compared to the lifelong burden of causing a fatal crash.
Since the beginning of 2020, troopers have issued nearly 95,000 OVI-related citations, with almost a quarter of these involving motorists impaired by marijuana and/or other drugs. These figures highlight the pressing need for awareness and action this holiday season.
Driving impaired is never worth the risk. If, however, you or a loved one is in need of legal representation as a result of receiving an OVI citation, at Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling, we are here to help. Contact the author at mbly@pselaw.com or 937-223-1130. The ramifications of an OVI conviction are so significant that experienced legal representation is a must.
