OHP stresses seat belts, sobriety

A May 24 news release from the Ohio Highway Patrol reminds drivers to stay sober behind the wheel and that they, and their passengers, need to buckle up while out on Ohio’s roadways.

“Seat belt usage continues to be a primary focus for the Ohio Highway Patrol as troopers participate in the Click it or Ticket campaign,” the release reads. “The campaign began on May 14 and includes the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Expect to see troopers on Ohio’s roads encouraging drivers to wear their safety belts.”

According to the release, three of the five people killed during Memorial Day Weekend last year were not wearing their seat belts.

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 50 percent of motor vehicle occupants involved in fatal crashes in 2017 were not wearing their seat belts.

“Buckling up saves lives,” Col. Paul A. Pride, OHP superintendent, is quoted as saying in the news release. “We want everyone on the road to get home safe, that’s why you should buckle up every trip, every time.”

Another important factor in the motorist-safety equation involves driving impaired, the Ohio Highway Patrol reports. According to its numbers shared in the news release, OHP troopers made 800 arrests last Memorial Day Weekend for operating a vehicle while impaired.

The OHP release also states that: “You can help contribute to a safer Ohio by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.”

NEWS-HERALD FILE Euclid police officers conduct a field sobriety test on a motorist during an impaired driving checkpoint conducted in conjunction with the Ohio Highway Patrol.