OHIO — An Ohio State Highway Patrol initiative conducted across the state last week led to the arrest of more than 150 impaired drivers, according to officials.
The three-day operation took place from May 14 through May 16 and involved state troopers working alongside more than 100 local and state law enforcement agencies.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, officers stopped more than 18,500 vehicles during the initiative. Authorities said 158 impaired drivers were removed from Ohio roadways and four felony arrests were made during the operation.
Officials said 51 of the impaired driving arrests occurred at OVI checkpoints set up during the enforcement effort.
“The goal of the statewide checkpoints was to deter and intercept impaired drivers, ultimately resulting in safer roadways for everyone traveling in Ohio,” the patrol said in a statement.
In addition to enforcement efforts, troopers and partnering agencies also focused on educating drivers about the dangers of impaired driving. Victim advocates with Mothers Against Drunk Driving joined officers in efforts to raise public awareness during the initiative.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is encouraging anyone who sees a suspected impaired or reckless driver to call #677 to be connected directly to the nearest patrol post.
