CELINA, Ohio (ADAMS) – The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office says that its officers, along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, will have extra cruisers patrolling Mercer County during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Our units will be focusing on impaired driving, seatbelt usage, and distracted driving. Area roadways are historically more heavily traveled during this holiday.
Troopers will be highly visible and cracking down on those driving impaired and those failing to wear a safety belt from Wednesday, November 23 at midnight through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 27.
“As families and friends begin to gather this year for Thanksgiving, I urge everyone to drive responsibly and buckle up,” said Governor Mike DeWine.
Many Thanksgiving celebrations involve alcohol, which increases the possibility of impaired driving. During last year’s Thanksgiving reporting period, November 24 through 28, there were 14 fatal crashes in which 17 people were killed. Of those, seven crashes and fatalities involved alcohol and/or drugs. Of the 16 fatalities in which seat belts were available, nine were unbelted. One pedestrian was killed. The Patrol also made 305 arrests for impaired driving.
“This Thanksgiving our focus is to save lives,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “The safety of every motorist traveling in Ohio is our priority. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver and use your safety belts so everyone gets home safely.”
The Wednesday night before Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest night for bars and restaurants. Agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit want to remind servers not to sell alcohol to anyone who is under 21 or intoxicated.
Motorists are encouraged to call #677 to report impaired drivers, drug activity, or stranded motorists.
The staff of the Sheriff’s Office and OSHP reminds citizens that 2022 has been a dangerous and deadly year on Mercer County roadways.
Mercer County has already had 9 fatal crashes, with 10 people killed in those traffic crashes. The hope is that this extra patrol will help keep our roadways safe. Please be safe this Thanksgiving!