Patrol cars with flashing lights will be highly visible across Ohio as the Ohio State Highway Patrol says it will be out in full force this st pats day to keep impaired drivers off the roadways. The warning lands ahead of holiday gatherings where alcohol is a common element, and officials are pressing a single, urgent point: plan how you will get home.
What are Ohio troopers doing for St Pats Day?
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) says troopers will be highly visible across the state as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” campaign. That stepped-up presence is meant to deter impaired driving and intercept motorists who pose a danger to others.
“Law enforcement will be out in full force around the state this St. Patrick’s Day, so I encourage those planning to celebrate to also plan for a safe ride home, ” said Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio. The patrol is urging practical precautions and has provided a hotline for concerned citizens: call #677 to connect with the nearest OSHP post.
How serious is impaired driving on st pats day in Ohio?
State data cited by the patrol show a stark pattern: over the past five years, there were 16 deaths from crashes on St. Patrick’s Day in Ohio. Of those fatal crashes, more than 50% were because of impaired driving. The OSHP emphasizes the simple calculus behind those numbers: a single night of drinking can produce consequences that last a lifetime.
“Unfortunately, one night of drinking can lead to deadly consequences if plans aren’t made ahead of time to get home safely, ” the Ohio State Highway Patrol said. That warning frames the patrol’s operational posture for the holiday and the messaging it is sharing with communities across the state.
What can people do to avoid driving impaired?
Officials are offering clear, behavior-focused guidance. “If you choose to drink, make the responsible choice to designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service, ” said Col. Charles Jones, patrol superintendent, Ohio State Highway Patrol. “Don’t let a day of celebration end in a lifetime of regret. ” The patrol is aligning its efforts with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s campaign aimed at reducing buzzed and drunk driving.
Practical steps highlighted by the patrol include naming a sober driver before festivities begin, arranging a ride-share or taxi in advance, and using the OSHP hotline to report suspected impaired drivers by calling #677. The emphasis is on simple planning that removes the choice to drive after drinking.
As Ohio prepares for St Pats Day, officials stress that the combination of visible enforcement and public reminders is intended to change behavior on the ground. Troopers will be out in force; the patrol is asking residents to match that commitment with responsible plans for getting home.
Back where the holiday scenes will play out — at bars, restaurants and private gatherings — the message from the state’s top officials hangs in the air: protect your celebration by protecting the road. The visible patrols are meant to deter danger, but the final choice rests with every person who decides how to return home.
