LOGAN, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol will run an OVI sobriety checkpoint in Hocking County Friday evening, the agency’s Athens Post announced Thursday.
The exact checkpoint location will be released Friday morning, according to the patrol. The operation is funded through federal grant money and is intended to deter and intercept impaired drivers, the patrol said.
“Troopers have made 10,084 OVI arrests this year to combat these dangerous drivers,” Lt. Bobby Brown, commander of the Athens Post, said in a statement. “OVI checkpoints are designed to deter impaired driving and proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.”
The patrol reported 5,919 OVI-related crashes on Ohio roads so far this year, resulting in 236 deaths and 2,449 injuries. The Athens Post has conducted similar checkpoints in neighboring Athens County as part of the same regional enforcement effort.
Motorists who spot an impaired or reckless driver can dial #677 to be connected directly to the nearest patrol post, according to the release.
The patrol is also recruiting new troopers and offers a ride-along program for residents interested in observing a shift, the release said. Those interested in joining can text “joinOSHP” to (614) 654-6747, and those interested in a ride-along are encouraged to contact their local post.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
