Patrol urges sober driving as holiday impaired-driving crashes spike

As friends and families gather and winter celebrations fill the calendar, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers of the dangers of driving impaired and sharing safety tips to ensure a safe holiday season.

“As we gather with loved ones for winter celebrations, it’s important to remember that impaired driving has no place on Ohio’s roads,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage every driver to make a plan for a sober ride home.”

December is historically one of the deadliest months on Ohio’s roads due to an uptick in impaired driving. That is why the patrol is intensifying enforcement efforts this month and has zero tolerance for drivers operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs or a combination of both.

Since 2020, there have been 69,061 crashes on Ohio roadways where alcohol and/or drugs played a factor. Those crashes have resulted in 3,896 deaths, which accounts for approximately 54% of all motor vehicle deaths.

As you can see, the data consistently shows that impaired driving remains a leading factor in serious and fatal crashes during the holiday season. The OSHP is asking every driver to take personal responsibility to reduce these numbers by:

• Designating a sober driver: Before your celebration begins, establish a sober driver. If plans change, call a friend or rideshare service. Never assume you are safe to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
• Knowing the different types of impairment: Troopers are not just looking for those impaired by alcohol. They are specifically trained to detect impairment from marijuana and other drugs that negatively impact driving ability.
• Knowing the consequences: An OVI conviction carries penalties, including the potential for jail time, heavy fines and license suspension. These consequences seem severe but are minor compared to carrying the lifelong burden of taking someone’s life in a crash.

“Every driver needs to make the conscious choice to promote roadway safety,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “That means designating a sober driver before the first drink, understanding that impairment isn’t just limited to alcohol and realizing the consequences of driving impaired.”

According to patrol statistics, troopers have issued nearly 95,000 OVI-related citations since the beginning of 2020. Nearly one quarter of those citations have involved a motorist impaired by marijuana and/or other drugs.

Let’s work together to ensure this holiday season is safe for everyone. Remember, driving impaired is never worth the risk. Motorists play a vital role in traffic safety and are encouraged to safely call #677 to report impaired driving, drug activity or reckless operation of a motor vehicle.