OHIO — Hundreds of Ohioans are arrested during the new year season according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
In the reporting period around last year’s holiday, the Ohio Highway Patrol arrested 230 people for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. There were 12 fatal crashes, and half of them involved alcohol or drugs.
Sergeant Tyler Ross with the Ohio Highway Patrol, said they plan to be highly visible this weekend with the hope of discouraging drunk driving incidents.
“That’s a reminder also that they see us and to make good decisions, to consider down the road,” said Ross. “Don’t be distracted, obviously designated, sober drivers don’t drink and drive and just pay attention.”
Franklin County has seen over 1100 crashes this year related to intoxicated driving. The highest number of crashes took place in January, with 121 OVI arrests. In November, the Franklin County Sheriff’s office had an incident with a drunk driver driving the wrong way on a freeway. While no one was hurt, Sheriff Dallas Baldwin said that incidents like it can’t continue to happen.
“If you’re driving 70 miles an hour and a car is coming at you 70, you don’t have time to react the wrong way on a freeway is just incredible,” said Baldwin. “We’re seeing way too much of that.”
Many cities and counties across the state are offering free or discounted rides via rideshare services this holiday weekend. Summit County is offering free or reduced rides (for up to $20) through Lyft, using the code SUMMITNYE23. The City of Dublin is doing something similar, offering rides up to $10 with the code DUBLINNYE23. Sergeant Ross said that the key to a safe weekend is planning.
“They have one too many or they continue to drink and then they don’t have a plan in place,” said Ross. “I mean, they don’t have a ride. They don’t have a designated sober driver, so then unfortunately, they get behind the wheel and they make that decision. I think if they would plan now, prepare now, make that plan, then I think they would be a lot better off.”
Ohio state highway patrol encourages drivers to call #677 if they see any dangerous or suspicious driving on the roads. The Franklin county Sheriff’s Department said you can also call their office if you need help organizing a safe ride home.
