Ohio Launches Statewide OVI Checkpoints to Curb Impaired Driving and Save Lives
Ohio is intensifying its efforts to combat impaired driving with a series of statewide OVI checkpoints scheduled for May 14 to May 16. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is leading the initiative, aiming to protect motorists and reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related crashes on the state’s roads.
The campaign comes as impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal and serious injury crashes in Ohio. According to OSHP data, these incidents have devastating consequences for families and communities. One such tragedy struck Thomas Tomasheski of Grafton in 2011, when an impaired driver collided head-on with his family’s vehicle. The crash claimed the lives of his daughter-in-law and grandson, while his son and granddaughter endured months of hospitalization.
“I have a life sentence,” Tomasheski shared. “There is never a day that goes by without my mourning the loss of my family… never.” Tomasheski now dedicates his time to raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, hoping to spare others from the pain his family endured.
“If together we stop one person from drinking and driving, [that’s] time well spent,” he said.
Col. Charles Jones, OSHP superintendent, emphasized the importance of the checkpoints in deterring impaired driving. “The goal is to intercept and remove impaired drivers from Ohio’s roadways, ensuring the safety of all motorists,” he stated. “Working alongside our local and state partners, we’re sending a clear message: impaired driving will not be tolerated.”
The three-day initiative will involve more than 100 local law enforcement agencies, with additional support from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for traffic control and signage. While the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is not directly participating in the checkpoints, it will heighten OVI enforcement on water and land during the same period.
OSHP is also urging the public to play a role in reducing impaired driving incidents. Tips include designating a sober driver, using rideshare services, practicing defensive driving, and never getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.
For those who witness reckless or impaired driving, Ohioans can dial #677 to connect with the nearest OSHP post.
The statewide effort reflects Ohio’s commitment to preventing tragedies caused by impaired driving. With checkpoints, enforcement, and public awareness, officials hope to create safer roads for everyone.
— Reported by Nexio News
