By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As judge of Bowling Green Municipal Court, Alyssa Blackburn deals with the legal charges, the fines, and the jail sentences for drunk driving. Last year, the court dealt with 360 OVI-related cases.
“Behind every statistic and every court case is a person,” Blackburn said. And in some cases, “there are consequences that no court can undo.”
Local law enforcement officials came together Wednesday morning at the Wood County Sheriff’s Office to launch the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The national campaign runs from Aug. 19 to Sept. 7, with the goal of educating people about the dangers and consequences of driving drunk.
The campaign coincides with Labor Day, when people may overindulge in their celebrations at the end of summer.
“We want everyone to enjoy the final days of summer,” Blackburn said. “But we want you all to get home safely.”
Local officials stressed the many options that people have to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver, call a friend.
“Don’t wait to see the flashing lights in your rear view mirrors,” Blackburn said.
Faith DeNardo, of Wood County Safe Communities, presented national statistics:
- In 2023, 30% of all traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
- One person is killed about every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash, totaling more than 12,000 lives lost each year.
- During the 2024 Labor Day holiday, there were 505 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of these 505 fatalities, 34% (170) involved a drunk driver.
- 77% of the impaired drivers killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or higher.
- Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday in 2024, 40% of those drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher.
Law enforcement officials called drunk driving a “preventable problem.” Many communities have Uber, Lyft, or city transit services, said Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn. People just need to plan ahead if they realize they will be drinking alcohol. Call a friend. Call a family member.
“There’s no excuse to drive while you’re under the influence,” Wasylyshyn said.
Since 2024, there have been 614 OVI arrests in Wood County. So far this year, the Ohio Highway Patrol has responded to 57 crashes involving alcohol in Wood County. One crash resulted in the death of a 16-year-old girl, according to Lt. Matt Geer, commander of the Bowling Green post.
During the campaign period, law enforcement agencies across Wood County will participate in increased enforcement efforts. Officials emphasize that the goal is not just enforcement but saving lives.
“Our goal isn’t simply to make arrests,” Geer said.
Have a plan whether you’re driving, riding or hosting, local law enforcement officials stressed:
- Before drinking, plan a safe and sober ride home.
- Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.
- If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home.
- If you see an impaired driver, call 911.
- Always wear your seat belt as your best defense against impaired drivers.
