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.”

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 checkpoint will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.

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