OSHP focuses on OVI arrests and decreasing fatalities

GEORGETOWN – As part of the Ohio State Highway Patrol effort – Trooper Shield – and their ongoing effort to contribute to a safer Ohio, troopers have had an increased focus on impaired driving enforcement this year. Through effective traffic enforcement, multi-agency partnerships, educational campaigns and the cooperation of motorists, the Patrol hopes to build on a trend of declining fatalities and increased OVI enforcement.

Through October of this year fatalities caused by motor vehicle crashes in Ohio are down 9 percent when compared to the same period last year – with 824 deaths so far in 2011 and 902 in 2010. In addition, the Patrol has arrested 934 more drivers for driving impaired when compared to the same time period in 2010. Last year 40 percent of all fatal crashes were OVI-related.

“Our troopers are out on the roads everyday trying to make Ohio a safer place to live, work and travel,” said Lt. McElfresh, commander of the Georgetown Post. “We are encouraged that – statewide - traffic crash fatalities are down and OVI arrests are up – and we hope to continue this trend through the upcoming Holiday season.”

The Patrol urges motorists to make smart decisions - plan ahead and designate a sober driver or call a taxi to ensure that everyone makes it home safe. If everyone does their part, fatalities caused by motor vehicle crashes could continue to decline and save many families from the heartache of losing a loved one.

So far this year state troopers from the Georgetown Post, arrested 233 impaired drivers who were posing a significant danger to innocent motorists.

The public is encouraged to continue using (877) 7-PATROL to report dangerous drivers, impaired drivers or stranded motorists.