From 2020 to 2024, OSHP made 311 OVI arrests on St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day is approaching in Columbus, Ohio, and this means the festivities and green beer will kick off over the weekend. However, it’s essential to remember that law enforcement will also be on the lookout.
A recent incident involved Kenneth Hughes, who was stopped for speeding on State Route 16 near 21st Street in Newark. When approached by an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer, the smell of alcohol was detected.
Hughes was arrested for felony OVI, making it his sixth OVI offense in less than 10 years.
Sgt. Ashley Jackson of the Ohio State Highway Patrol emphasized the importance of making wise choices before hitting the road. Driving under the influence is entirely preventable, and all drivers have friends and family members using the same roadways.
There were 538 fatal crashes statewide last year where alcohol was involved. In those crashes, 589 people were killed and 6,384 people were injured.
From 2020 to 2024, OSHP made 311 OVI arrests on St. Patrick’s Day.
“We ask people to plan and prepare for their night or their day out. We aren’t asking anyone to stop their plans or not go out and enjoy time with their friends and family, we just ask they do so safely,” Jackson said.
Like many people, OSHP will be out this weekend. They will be looking for impaired drivers to prevent any fatal crashes.
“We want people to enjoy their time with their friends and family, it’s an easy thing to prepare for,” Jackson said.
In addition to extra troopers out on the roads, there will be sobriety checkpoints across the state this weekend.
