COLUMBUS – In an effort to prevent alcohol-related crashes and reduce fatalities on Ohio’s roadways, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are reminding motorists - “You Drink & Drive. You Lose.”

As part of the National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend Mobilization Dec. 19 through Dec. 22, troopers will hold saturation patrols throughout the state in areas with high incidents of impaired driving. National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend is organized by Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), which was formed as a multi-jurisdictional program of patrol, enforcement, and planning activities committed to crash reduction.

“Fatalities in Ohio are down this year, compared to the same time last year. The Patrol is committed to continuing to reduce these fatalities, but the motoring public must do their part to ensure safety on our roadways,” Colonel Paul D. McClellan, superintendent of the Patrol said. “During the holidays, protect you and your loved ones by not getting behind the wheel if you are impaired.”

The Ohio rural roadway death toll to date is 850, as compared to 958 for the same time period in 2002.

Last Christmas weekend, five people were killed in crashes in Ohio. Two of the individuals killed did not wear safety belts.

In honor of National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month, troopers throughout Ohio will continue to participate in the MADD Red Ribbon campaign to remind Ohioans to designate a driver.

# # #

03-277