Drinking and driving don’t mix this weekend

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Special to The Press

COLUMBUS — Drunk driving remains one of America’s deadliest crimes. In 2008, NHTSA estimates that 11,773 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

This is why Governors Highway Safety Association members are joining forces with law enforcement officers across the country to take part in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown on impaired driving during the Labor Day holiday period.

Ohio’s activities involve more than 900 law enforcement agencies and local safety partners. Media events will be conducted by 30 Safe Community programs and 10 county-wide DUI Tasks Forces. Approximately 28 checkpoints are planned, along with more than 9,367 additional enforcement hours.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is planning at least three checkpoints around the state during this time period and will have a significant presence on state highways over the Labor Day weekend. The crackdown includes approximately $250,000 in paid media, and Ohio DOT was asked to post messages on their overhead message boards.

In Columbus, the Franklin County DUI Task Force will be holding a mock-checkpoint, which will focus on impaired driving, highlighting the danger of impaired riding for motorcyclists. A local municipal court judge will hold a mock court session alongside the checkpoint to show that drunk driving has serious consequences. The state also is holding a media roundtable prior to the campaign kickoff to discuss checkpoints and reinforce the critical role media can play in publicizing checkpoints and enforcement efforts.