Wayne County OVI Checkpoint Included in Statewide Enforcement Push Against Impaired Driving
WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO — Wayne County law enforcement officers joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol in a statewide OVI enforcement effort that removed 158 impaired drivers from Ohio roadways during a three-day operation.
On Saturday, May 16, ACP News spent time at Wayne County’s OVI checkpoint on state Route 585 near milepost 1. The checkpoint was held from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and included the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Wooster Police Division officers and Wayne County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
The checkpoint was part of a statewide impaired driving enforcement campaign held May 14 through May 16. The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the operation included checkpoints and saturation patrols across Ohio, with support from more than 100 local and state law enforcement partners.
According to the Patrol, more than 18,500 vehicles were checked during the three-day operation. Troopers removed 158 impaired drivers from Ohio’s roadways, including 51 drivers arrested while traveling through checkpoint locations. Four felony arrests were also reported during the enforcement effort.
At the Wayne County checkpoint, officers and deputies were professional, organized and focused on keeping impaired drivers off the road.
The Patrol said the purpose of the checkpoints was not only enforcement, but also education. Troopers and partnering agencies worked to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of making a plan before drinking or using drugs.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving victim advocates also participated in the statewide effort, reminding motorists that impaired driving is preventable. Law enforcement continues to encourage drivers to designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or make other arrangements to get home safely.
The statewide effort followed an earlier announcement from the Ohio State Highway Patrol warning that impaired driving continues to be a serious danger 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,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “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.
Drivers who see an impaired or reckless driver are urged to call #677 to be connected directly to the nearest Ohio State Highway Patrol post.
Your call could save a life.
