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New Year's parties are about to get under way and it is a good time to again remember not to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking at one of those events.
Please think twice before you try to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports troopers have made 18,433 OVI arrests so far this year. That's up from the 16,350 reported in 2020.
As of Wednesday morning, the patrol reported it had made 217 OVI arrests in Jefferson County this year. There have been 289 OVI arrests reported in Belmont County, 257 in Columbiana County, 27 in Harrison County and one in Carroll County.
Law enforcement agencies will be out in full force during the New Year's holiday period to watch for those drivers who ignore the message that drinking and driving don't mix.
Many people play it smart on New Year's Eve. They attend a party at a friend's house with plans to stay over. Some select a designated driver while others use a professional car service. Others believe it is dangerous to even be on the road on New Year's Eve because of the increased number of intoxicated drivers.
Alcohol impairs the ability to drive. It slows reaction time and can lead to drivers making poor decisions. There are serious or fatal accidents every weekend in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania involving alcohol. Innocent family members can be injured or killed because someone was behind the wheel under the influence.
Think seriously about the consequences of driving while impaired.
Make a New Year's resolution to not drive under the influence in 2022.