Video Highlights Need For Safe Thanksgiving Driving

Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 10 people were killed on Ohio’s roadways with 30 percent related to impaired driving. Each year nearly 39 people are killed due to impaired driving between the Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve Holidays.

Ohio and Avon Lake safety forces don't want you to become one of the statistics.

"Especially this weekend, more people are out and about," Lt. Duane Streator said. "It's very important for the safety of everyone on the road."

Streator said that generally there's an increase in drunk driving on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and on St. Patrick's Day.

"It's a safety issue for everybody," he said. 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol just released a compelling video that illustrates the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The 8-minute video features actual footage from real traffic stops and aims to educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. 

According to AAA, 42.5 million Americans will travel for this holiday weekend – 90 percent will be driving. The Patrol is urging motorists to contribute to roadway safety by planning ahead for increased drive time and making safety their first priority.

“We all share the responsibility of contributing to a safe holiday on Ohio roadways by obeying all traffic laws and never driving impaired,” Colonel John Born, Patrol superintendent, said. “As a member of the motoring public, you can help save lives by reporting unsafe and aggressive drivers to law enforcement.”

Troopers recommend that motorists contact the Patrol by calling 1-877-7-PATROL (1-877-772-8765) to report dangerous or impaired drivers.