Patrol identifies OVI checkpoint location

VW independent/submitted information

PAULDING — The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the Paulding Police Department, announced today that an OVI checkpoint will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on State Route 111, between Grant and Dewitt streets.

The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers. The checkpoint will include nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat alcohol- and drug related injury and fatal crashes.

“Recent data has shown there have been 16 OVI related crashes, as well as 22 OVI arrests, made within a five-mile radius of the checkpoint location,” said Lieutenant Jonathon Gray, commander of the Van Wert Post. “The purpose of the checkpoint, as well as the advance notice media releases, is to educate the public of the dangers of impaired driving.

“We want to drive home a simple point: Don’t endanger the lives of our citizens with a reckless and irresponsible decision to drive while impaired,” Lt. Gray added.

Ohioans who plan to consume alcohol need to designate a sober driver or make travel arrangements before they drink. Don’t let another life be lost for the senseless and selfish act of driving a motor vehicle while impaired.