ATHENS, Ohio — The Athens County Sheriff’s Office will step up traffic enforcement throughout February in partnership with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, and neighboring jurisdictions.
The increased patrols begin Feb. 1 and continue through Feb. 28, with officers targeting traffic offenses that pose safety risks on streets, county roads, and highways.
“As we approach the holiday season, we want to remind drivers of key safety practices,” said the Sheriff’s Office in a statement. “Following these guidelines can prevent accidents and save lives.”
Officials emphasized:
- Buckle up: Seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45%.
- Stop speeding: Aggressive driving is a leading cause of traffic deaths.
- Avoid distractions: Approximately 660,000 drivers use electronic devices while driving at any given moment.
- Drive sober: Even a single alcoholic beverage can impair driving. Law enforcement will show zero tolerance for impaired driving.
The sheriff’s office said the effort is part of ongoing collaboration with the community to make Athens County safer for residents and visitors.