COLUMBUS - In anticipation of festive New Year’s Eve parties, the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are urging motorists to contribute to roadway safety by planning ahead and designating a sober driver or arranging a taxi ride home.

“The safest thing you can do this New Year’s, and every other day of the year, is to plan ahead and designate a sober driver,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Henry Guzmán. “As we move into 2008, the Ohio Department of Public Safety would like to encourage all motorists to resolve to make this the safest year ever on our roads by always buckling up and designating a driver.”

Last year during the New Year’s Holiday eight people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on Ohio roadways. Sixty-three percent of those killed, died in alcohol-related crashes. Troopers made 344 OVI arrests during the holiday reporting period.

"It is important that all motorists think before they get behind the wheel this upcoming holiday. Enjoying your holiday starts by making sure you and your family are safe this holiday season,"
Colonel Richard H. Collins, Patrol superintendent, said. "Extra troopers will be out enforcing impaired driving, safety belt and aggressive driving violations.”

# # #

07-193