Drivers urged to take caution as busy travel period expected to continue thru weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is anticipating the busy holiday travel period to keep up through the weekend. And they’re asking drivers to be safe and smart on the road.

They say since the start of their reporting period on Wednesday, troopers have arrested more than 200 people statewide for operating a vehicle under the influence. The reporting period lasts through Sunday.

Sgt. Tyler Ross with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said troopers last year arrested 138 people for an OVI in their two-day reporting period.

“So as we get into the weekend, we only expect more,” Ross said. “Unfortunately, more events are going to have alcohol as we get into the weekend events. Make that decision to designate a sober driver, use a ride sharing program, stay if you can but you can’t drive impaired. At the end of the day, you’re driving a deadly weapon down the roadway,” Ross said.

Ross said people should expect to see troopers out on the roads throughout the weekend.

“We anticipate an influx in travel this weekend. People going to and from their destination. But with that, give yourself enough time planning and prepare ahead of time to get to and from your destinations,” Ross said.

He said to be patient on the roadways, drive the speed limit and wear your seatbelt. He also said it will be easy to get distracted this weekend too so always pay extra attention to what’s ahead.

“So while you’re watching fireworks or you’re looking at your phone, the roadway quickly changes in front of you. Somebody is breaking, changing lanes. There could be debris in the roadway. It could be, you know, a commercial tractor trailer or a tire. It could be these things. Our roadways quickly change with our work zones as well,” Ross said.

Drivers and passengers are urged to call #677 if they see something out of the ordinary.