LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Local law enforcement is encouraging people not to press their luck on the roads this St. Patrick's Day.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be working overtime to ensure that the only drivers on the road are sober.
St. Patrick's Day is a big drinking day for many. Over the last four years, the patrol made more than 300 OVI arrests on St. Patrick’s Day, and impaired driving accounted for a total of 213 crashes. So, even if you feel "just buzzed," you are too impaired to drive and need to get a sober designated driver.
Over the last four years, the patrol made more than 300 OVI arrests on St. Patrick’s Day, and impaired driving accounted for a total of 213 crashes.
"If you're going to be drinking this weekend, we understand that people are going to be out having a good time, but if you are going to be drinking, just make sure you have a designated driver with you, that way you can get home safely. We are going to have extra units out working this weekend. The Lima residents are going to notice an influx of highway patrol personnel. So again, our goal is just to make sure everyone gets home safely. So, just make sure you have a designated driver," says Lt. Nick Boes, Ohio State Highway Patrol.
If you see a person driving dangerously, call #677 to contact the Ohio Highway Patrol.
March 14, 2025, Media Release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol:
Don’t Press your Luck this St. Patrick’s Day
Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is teaming up with local law enforcement partners to remove impaired drivers from Ohio roadways on St. Patrick’s Day. The effort is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign.
Your life, and the lives of others on the roadway, are at risk every time a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking. According to Patrol statistics, there were 14 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 total fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day over the last five years. Of those fatal crashes, nine were directly related to impaired driving.
“Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day irresponsibly can have tragic consequences,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “If you make the choice to drink, make the right choice to designate a sober driver and keep our roads safe for everyone.”
From 2020-2024, the Patrol made 311 OVI arrests on St. Patrick’s Day, and impaired driving accounted for a total of 213 crashes.
According to the NHTSA website, it’s important to celebrate the holiday responsibly. You can do that by designating a sober driver, offering non-alcoholic beverage options if hosting a party, ensuring all guests leave with a sober driver and always wearing your safety belt.
As always, motorists are encouraged to safely call #677 to report unsafe or impaired drivers on Ohio roadways.
