The six annual “Lights for Lives” has been deemed a successful operation once again, showing what can be accomplished by law enforcement working cooperatively in a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional effort.
In the spirit of collaboration, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Findlay District in conjunction with nearly 30 law enforcement agencies in Northwest Ohio from the following counties: Williams, Fulton, Lucas, Defiance, Henry, Wood, Putnam, Paulding, Hancock, Van Wert, Allen, and Hardin Counties participated.
“Lights for Lives” is a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional, cooperative enforcement campaign focused on officers activating their overhead lights and stopping as many vehicles that have committed traffic violations to save as many lives as possible. It began on Nov. 20 at midnight and ran through Nov. 22 at midnight, kicking off the holiday driving season.
During the 48- hour period no lives were lost in traffic crashes in Northwest Ohio. During the 48-hour operation officers reported stopping more than 2,000 vehicles and issued nearly 1,000 citations. More than 100 safety belt citations were issued, while 39 impaired drivers were removed from Ohio’s roadways.
Further, there were more than 75 criminal arrests including felonies and misdemeanors while 30 involved drug arrests.
On behalf of all law enforcement who participated in “Lights for Lives,” the State Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists this holiday season to always buckle up, as it is the one thing most likely to save their life. Additionally, they must remember to plan ahead and never operate a vehicle when impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.
