Police Plan Crackdown on Drunk Driving

Zanesville Police are making plans to crack down on drunk driving in time for Saint Patrick’s Day.

The police department is teaming up with state and federal law enforcement as part of the Safe Communities Coalition.

“St. Patrick’s Day, which is what we’re focusing on. You’re going to see increases in the area starting as soon as this Friday. Obviously they’ll continue through Tuesday the 17th which is St. Patrick’s Day onto this weekend after that’s coming. There will be additional manpower based on our end and in addition to the State Highway Patrol assisting us in the city, the Sheriff’s Office will be out on their routine patrols, and we’ve also been awarded some grants through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office which will allow for some additional manpower also,” says Capt. Scott Comstock, of the Zanesville Police Dept.

The Safe Communities Coalition makes it their goal to reduce traffic-related vehicle deaths by increasing seat belt usage and reducing distracted and impaired driving.

“Obviously with the weather breaking people start to get the Spring fever, people are out and about. St. Patrick’s Day is kind of synonymous with alcohol consumption, so we try to get the word out that we’re out and about. There will be enforcement, so there will be some pre-planning. Obviously we emphasize designated drivers. There are rideshare program options, taxis, a little bit of prevention goes a long way,” he adds.

Safe Communities has been a collective effort of Ohio law enforcement for the past twenty-four years.