On Saturday night, law enforcement agencies across Logan County joined forces to conduct an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) checkpoint on South Main Street in Bellefontaine.
The coordinated effort involved the Ohio State Highway Patrol, officers from the Bellefontaine Police Department, and deputies from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office.
The checkpoint was set up as part of an ongoing initiative to increase roadway safety and deter impaired driving.
Throughout the evening, hundreds of vehicles passed through the checkpoint.
Officials stated that data collection was ongoing, and final numbers — including stops, citations, and any arrests made — are expected to be released on Monday.
“We want to remind drivers that these checkpoints are about saving lives,” said Lt. Matt Himes of the Highway Patrol. “Our goal is to keep impaired drivers off the road and ensure that everyone makes it home safely.”
Motorists were briefly stopped and screened for signs of impairment.
Drivers found to be under the influence faced further testing and potential charges at the Logan County Fairgrounds.
The Saturday night checkpoint was part of a broader statewide campaign during the summer months, when impaired driving incidents tend to increase.
More details will be available when law enforcement agencies release official statistics.
A card handed to drivers read, “This sobriety checkpoint is an effort by the Ohio State Highway Patrol to make motorists more aware of the impaired driver problem in Ohio and help bring about a reduction in the number of alcohol-related and drug-related crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Presidential Commission on Drunk Driving each recommended the use of sobriety checkpoints to achieve an increased understanding by the public of the risk of detection for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It has been shown that this increased risk is an effective deterrent to impaired drivers. Prior to the establishment of the sobriety checkpoint, the Ohio State Highway Patrol made every reasonable attempt to inform the local community of the time and date of this impaired driver enforcement effort. It is our earnest wish that people who might consider driving a motor vehicle after drinking alcohol or using drugs, instead to ride with a sober designated driver or find some other way to get to their destination. Each deterred impaired driver means one less dangerous driver sharing the highway with you and your family. We regret the inconvenience, but the short time you spent talking to our trooper has helped us make your highway safer. We ask your assistance in our continuing effort to make Ohio’s roadways among the safest in the United States. Please call us at #677 to report a dangerous driver or hazardous situation. For additional information on sobriety, checkpoints, and traffic safety, visit us at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov”
Thanks to Jacob Howell for providing the photos.
