December 2004

Colonel Paul McClellan
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

The holidays will not be as enjoyable this year for the more than 400 families in Ohio who will be without loved ones killed in crashes caused by impaired drivers.

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month and troopers are giving impaired drivers notice: You Drink & Drive. You Lose. In 2003 alone, 463 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Ohio. This month, troopers will target impaired drivers in an effort to save lives by preventing alcohol-related crashes.

Impaired driving is a dangerous and deadly crime. Last year, impaired drivers were involved in 17,248 crashes statewide and accounted for 10,645 reported injuries.

The tragedy is that these alcohol-related deaths are very preventable, they are not accidents. Impaired driving is a serious crime that costs Ohioans millions of dollars each year in emergency care costs, lost property and, most importantly, their lives.

This holiday season, the Patrol has joined law enforcement agencies across the country to intensify the fight against impaired driving by joining the You Drink & Drive. You Lose. public education campaign. The Patrol hopes to save lives in Ohio and help reach the national goal of less than 11,000 alcohol-related deaths by next year.

Additionally, troopers will participate in the Operation C.A.R.E. National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend, from December 17 through 19, by increasing the number of troopers on Ohio’s roadways. Also in recognition of 3D Prevention Month, troopers throughout Ohio will continue to participate in the MADD Red Ribbon campaign to remind Ohioans to designate a driver.

Designate a sober driver, hire a taxi, call a safe ride program, or make arrangements to spend the night where you are drinking. Don’t drink and drive, be sure to buckle your safety belt, and don’t let your friends or loved ones drink and drive.

You Drink & Drive. You Lose.