The Ohio State Highway Patrol is putting a sobering focus on road safety for this St. Patrick's Day weekend. In alliance with local law enforcement, the patrol has been determined to remove impaired drivers from the streets actively. According to Ohio State Highway Patrol, a news release posted by the Ohio.gov, this initiative is in lockstep with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign.

The need for such efforts is starkly evident in the numbers. Patrol statistics reveal a distressing tally: 14 fatal crashes with 15 total fatalities over the past five St. Patrick’s Days, and out of those, nine crashes that were a direct outcome of impaired driving. "Your life, and the lives of others on the roadway, are at risk every time a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking," reads the release, according to Ohio.gov. The patrol is urging Ohioans to not even chance it by driving buzzed and to report impaired drivers they encounter by safely calling #677.

Ohio isn't playing games when it comes to protecting its citizens. The stats serve as a harrowing reminder that celebrations can quickly turn tragic due to irresponsible choices. "According to Patrol statistics, there were 14 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 total fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day over the last five years," the release states via Ohio.gov, highlighting the toll that impaired driving can exact on communities.

The Highway Patrol's message is loud and clear, Don't press your luck this St. Patrick's weekend. To ensure safety and promptly respond to threats on the road, they're encouraging the public to participate. Ohio residents are reminded: should they spot an impaired driver, they must not hesitate to immediately call #677—a move that could save lives. The full impact of these enforcement efforts will be measured in the absence of stories that need not have had to be told—the accidents prevented, the lives spared. For more details, the public is encouraged to read the full release.