OVI-related arrests trending downward

Ohio State Highway Patrol information

As part of the Patrol’s ongoing effort to contribute to a safer Ohio, troopers are continuing their increased focus on impaired driving enforcement — and these efforts are paying off. For the third year in a row, troopers removed more than 24,000 impaired drivers from Ohio roadways.

OVI-related crashes accounted for 34 percent of all fatal crashes in Ohio in 2014. This is the same percentage as 2013, but far below the 2011-2013 average of 40 percent.

There were 13,628 OVI-related crashes on Ohio roadways, killing 340 and injuring 7,959. Speed was a contributing factor in 60 percent of all OVI-related crashes. Of drivers considered at-fault in OVI-related crashes, 28 percent were between the ages of 25 and 34.

“We need motorists to commit to keeping our roads safe by planning ahead to designate a driver and insisting that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up,” said Van Wert Post Commander Lt. Tim Grigsby. “You can also help fight the battle against impaired driving by actively influencing friends and family to do the same.”

Last year, state troopers from the Van Wert Post arrested more than 250 impaired drivers in this area.

The public is encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity or stranded motorists.

To view a copy of the entire statistical recap, visit http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/OVI_Bulletin_2015.pdf.