Colonel
Paul McClellanSpring is a time of celebration for teenagers, with proms, graduations, and exciting plans for the future. The Ohio State Highway Patrol remains vigilant to remove impaired and aggressive drivers from Ohio roads and hopes to secure the future of our teenage community.
Troopers work year-round to modify poor driving behaviors before they result in crashes.
Impaired driving continues to be a serious problem for our teens. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds. Last year, of the 326 Ohio drivers aged 16 to 25 who were killed in traffic crashes, almost 24 percent were impaired at the time of their death.
During this active season, troopers across the state will also conduct special presentations, stage mock crashes, and work with local schools on additional programs. In addition, area law enforcement agencies, state liquor agents, and alcohol retailers will participate in collaborative efforts to curtail the illegal purchase of alcohol and the use of fake identification. While troopers will dedicate time to educate teens, they are also committed to high visibility enforcement in an effort to apprehend teens who choose to drive impaired.
In addition to an Operating Vehicle Impaired (OVI) charge for those who test .08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or above, law enforcement officers in Ohio can file charges against any driver under age 21 who has a BAC of .02 percent or greater.
A first OVUAC offense results in a mandatory fine of $250-$1,000 and up to six months in jail. A second OVUAC offense carries a mandatory fine of $500-$1,000 and up to six months in jail with a possible 60-day license suspension. Teens who commit third and subsequent offenses face a mandatory fine of $500-$1,000, up to six months in jail, a 90-day license suspension with an option of community service, and a license suspension until age 21.
I urge parents, guardians, and teens to join the Patrol this prom and graduation season to make it a time of safe celebration.