UPDATE: OVI Checkpoints Friday in Muskingum & Perry Counties

The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced Thursday that two OVI checkpoints will be taking place in the area Friday evening, one in Muskingum County and one in Perry County.

Sergeant Chris Chesar of the Zanesville Post said the patrol conducts checkpoints in Muskingum County one to two times a year to deter motorists from driving impaired.

"The reason we’re holding a checkpoint is to educate the public and bring awareness that we don’t want people to drive impaired, so although people are going to know where it is as of tomorrow, and what time it’s going to be, it’s just to raise that awareness to the general public we don’t want you to drive impaired," Chesar said.

If you plan to consume alcohol, it is encouraged to designate a driver or make other travel arrangements. Chesar said aside from the checkpoint, other tactical units will be out in full force in hopes of intercepting impaired drivers.

"If it gets the message across, which is the ultimate plan, it’s very effective, people like you support us by getting the word out that we don’t want people to drink and drive, and then a presence of the police in the area, also with the cooperation with the sheriff’s department and police department, and all the agencies working together, shows the whole community that everyone is working toward the same goal of getting people not to drive impaired," Chesar said.

The specific time and location for both counties will be released Friday morning.