From WOOD COUNTY SAFE COMMUNITIES
Wood County Safe Communities, in partnership with the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and other local law enforcement agencies, will host a kick-off event for “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” with guest speakers to emphasize the importance of driving sober in Wood County.
The event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m. at the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, 1960 E. Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green. It marks the start of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, running Aug. 19 – Sept. 7. The campaign aims to educate people about the dangers and consequences of driving impaired.
Event speakers will include a Wood County Safe Communities representative, Judge Alyssa Blackburn, Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn, and Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Shawn Fosgate.
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.
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of serious injury and death. According to national data:
- In 2023, 30% of all traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
- Every 42 minutes, one person is killed 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. Of the impaired drivers, 77% had a blood alcohol concentration of .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.
Whether someone is driving, riding, or hosting, it is important to make plans in advance. Before drinking, plan a safe and sober ride home. Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. If someone is hosting a gathering, they should make sure all guests have a sober ride home. If people see impaired drivers, they should call 911. Everyone should also always wear their seatbelt – it’s one of the best defenses against impaired drivers.
