COLUMBUS - The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that troopers will operate a low-manpower OVI checkpoint to deter and intercept impaired drivers this week.

The checkpoint will be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat alcohol-related injury and fatal crashes.

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

“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 will continue its strict enforcement of safety belt violations. Numerous studies have concluded that wearing a safety belt, and having children properly restrained in child safety seats, dramatically improves a person’s likelihood to avoid serious injury or death resulting from a motor vehicle crash. 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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