Friday, December 30th, 2016
Officers warn of dangers of impaired driving
By Tom Stankard
Photo by Tom Stankard/The Daily Standard
Law enforcement officers warn drivers to be aware of anti-drinking and driving efforts during New Year's festivities. St. Marys Police officer Luke Turpin flashes the lights in a squad car Thursday as he gets ready to patrol the streets.
Area law enforcement officials warn that officers will make sure people are being responsible this weekend. as they celebrate the new year
According to AAA, alcohol-impaired drivers contribute to about 1 out of every 3 traffic deaths on U.S. roadways. In Ohio, alcohol use contributed to more than 12,500 crashes in 2015.
Officials in Mercer and Auglaize counties warn extra officers will patrol the roadways to keep drivers safe.
December was among the top months in 2015 for impaired-driving accidents with nearly 1,100 crashes resulting in 582 injuries and 31 deaths, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. New Year's celebrations contributed to those numbers with 48 alcohol-related crashes on Dec. 31, 2015 and 86 alcohol-related crashes on Jan. 1, 2016.
In Mercer County, Sheriff Jeff Grey reminds drivers his department will have extra deputies on patrol during the holiday weekend.
"Happy New Year," Grey said. "Make good, safe decisions."
Auglaize County Sheriff Allen Solomon said his department will also have extra deputies on the road.
Celina Police Chief Tom Wale said the department will be fully staffed to ensure streets are safe during one of the biggest party nights of the year.
Officers encouraged hosts and party-goers to follow these safe celebration tips:
• Plan ahead and don't drive impaired. Choose a designated sober driver before any holiday celebration and never get behind the wheel of a car when you've been drinking.
• Serve non-alcoholic beverages. Host responsibly and never let guests drive drunk. Ohio's host liability law holds those who serve alcohol liable for injury or death that occurs due to their drunken guests.
During the 2016 new year holiday season, troopers arrested 365 drivers for impaired driving, according to the patrol. Troopers cited 479 people with aggressive driving, arrested 183 motorists for drug-related offenses and cited 982 people for safety belt violations.
This year, Wale said Celina officers have made about 100 arrests for OVIs.
In Auglaize County, Solomon said the sheriff's office has made 19 OVI arrests.
