COLUMBUS - The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that troopers will operate three OVI checkpoints to deter and intercept impaired drivers this week.

The county where the checkpoints will be held will be announced the day prior to the checkpoints, and the location will be announced the morning of the checkpoints.

“In 2006, impaired drivers contributed to 456 fatal crashes resulting in 489 deaths on Ohio roadways,” Colonel Richard H. Collins, superintendent of the Patrol, said. “These checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving, but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.”

In addition, the Patrol also continues its strict enforcement of safety belt violations with the What’s Holding You Back?/Click It or Ticket campaign. Troopers will have zero tolerance for safety belt offenses when motorists are stopped for violations and are not wearing a required safety belt or don’t have children properly restrained in child safety seats.

If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before you drink. Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of getting behind the wheel impaired.

Operational support for the sobriety checkpoints will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.

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