Ashland County OVI Checkpoint Part of Statewide Effort That Removed 158 Impaired Drivers
ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO — Ashland County was one of several locations across Ohio included in a three-day statewide OVI enforcement effort that resulted in 158 impaired drivers being removed from Ohio roadways.
On Thursday, May 14, ACP News spent time at Ashland County’s OVI checkpoint on state Route 3 near milepost 5. The checkpoint was held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and included the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office deputies and officers from the Loudonville Police Department.
The checkpoint was part of a larger statewide operation conducted May 14 through May 16 by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and more than 100 local and state law enforcement partners.
According to the Patrol, troopers checked more than 18,500 vehicles during the three-day operation. In total, 158 impaired drivers were removed from the roadway, including 51 drivers arrested while traveling through checkpoint locations. Troopers also reported four felony arrests during the enforcement period.
At the Ashland County checkpoint, deputies and officers worked in a professional and organized manner, with the focus centered on public safety and preventing impaired driving crashes before they happen.
The Patrol said the goal of the statewide checkpoints was to deter and intercept impaired drivers while also educating the public about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving victim advocates also took part in the statewide effort, reminding motorists that impaired driving is completely preventable. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using a rideshare service or finding another safe way home.
Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent, previously said the statewide effort was designed to protect everyone traveling on Ohio roads.
“The goal of these statewide checkpoints is to deter and intercept impaired drivers, ensuring the safety of all motorists on Ohio’s roadways,” Jones said. “By working alongside our local and state partners, we are sending a clear message that impaired driving will not be tolerated.”
The Patrol also highlighted the lasting impact impaired driving can have on families. In its previous release, the agency shared the story of Thomas Tomasheski, of Grafton, who lost his daughter-in-law and grandson after they were hit head-on by an impaired driver in June 2011.
Tomasheski’s son and granddaughter were hospitalized for several months following that crash. Although Tomasheski was not involved in the crash, he said he has lived with the consequences of one person’s decision for nearly 15 years.
“I have a life sentence,” Tomasheski said. “There is never a day that goes by without my mourning the loss of my family… never.”
Since that crash, Tomasheski has spoken out about the dangers of impaired driving, hoping his family’s loss can help prevent another tragedy.
“If together we stop one person from drinking and driving, [that’s] time well spent,” Tomasheski said.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that if they see an impaired or reckless driver on the road, they can call #677 to be connected directly to the nearest Patrol post.
Your call could save a life.
