OSHP Urging Drivers to be Safe this St. Patrick’s Day

ZANESVILLE, OH – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to be cautious as St. Patrick’s Day approaches.

According to the Patrol, during the last five years 227 people have been killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s day reporting period. Sergeant Jeff Jirles, at the Zanesville Patrol Post, said last year troopers arrested 230 people for OVI here in Muskingum County. He also talked about the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign that will be going on this weekend.

“We’re partnering with all of our local law enforcement folks in the city, county, and the State Highway Patrol for the Buzzed Driving Campaign this weekend,” Jirles said. “Our hope is to deter any drinking and driving in the area.”

Jirles also provided some tips for keeping yourself safe this St. Patrick’s Day.

“Always keep in mind that there are impaired drivers on our local highways,” Jirles said. “That can be in the middle of the day or that could be at 2 or 3 in the morning when we traditionally think of impaired driving. Always be aware that there are impaired drivers out there with you on the highways.”

In addition to their efforts on the roadways, some Ohio Investigative Unit agents will be out working to educate liquor permit holders on the consequences of over-serving or serving to someone who is underage. For bars and permit holders, over-serving or serving to someone who is underage could mean costly fines, suspension, or revocation of their liquor permit.

If you suspect someone of driving impaired, you can report it by calling #677.