Safe Driving During the Holiday Season

ZANESVILLE, OH –As holiday travels increase, so do OVI-related incidents.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been over 72,000 crashes related to impaired driving, and with the legalization of marijuana, that number is expected to rise. Lieutenant Kristi Mistovich emphasizes the importance of safe driving.

“With the passage of recreational marijuana, we just want to remind people that yes, it’s legal to consume but you need to make a safe choice much like alcohol. You can’t be consuming it inside of your vehicle and it does cause impairment. It affects your ability to make decisions and judgement when you’re operating a vehicle which subsequently could result in getting arrested for impaired driving.”

Lt. Mistovich advises that if you plan on drinking (or smoking), it’s crucial to arrange for a safe ride beforehand to ensure you and others on the road can return home safely.

“We are in our drive sober or get pulled over, so again, it’s important to make planned responsible choices with rideshare programs or family members. We obviously want everybody to enjoy the holiday, but we want it to be safe and make sure everybody gets home. Just stay vigilant and make a plan. Buckle up, and if you see a dangerous or impaired driver, please call the highway patrol. We’ll have extra officers out through the remainder of the year.”

If you observe erratic driving, such as swerving or unsafe lane changes, please dial #677 to alert patrol officers so they can assess the situation and help keep the roads safe this holiday season.