ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — As March approaches, the Athens County Sheriff’s Office gears up for a concerted effort in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Traffic Safety Office, and neighboring jurisdictions to enhance traffic enforcement. Beginning March 1st, and extending through March 31st, law enforcement presence will be heightened on streets, county roads, and highways to deter traffic offenses that jeopardize community safety.
With the holiday season on the horizon, the Athens County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes key safety measures for drivers:
- BUCKLE UP: Regardless of the trip’s duration, wearing a seatbelt is paramount. Studies show it can decrease the risk of fatal injury by 45%, underlining its life-saving importance.
- STOP SPEEDING: Speeding accounts for a staggering 63.6 million drivers nationwide and poses not only an aggressive but also a deadly risk on the roads.
- AVOID DISTRACTED DRIVING: The proliferation of electronic devices has fueled a deadly epidemic of distracted driving. Approximately 660,000 drivers are engaged with electronic devices while behind the wheel at any given moment. The Sheriff’s Office warns against the potentially catastrophic consequences, urging drivers not to let distractions, even as innocuous as emojis, compromise safety.
- DRIVE SOBER: Even minimal alcohol consumption can impair judgment. Designating a sober driver or utilizing public transportation is imperative. Law enforcement maintains a zero-tolerance stance on impaired driving.