Authorities on the Lookout for Drunk Drivers Thanksgiving Eve

Thanksgiving Eve is one of the biggest drinking days of the year. Old friends get together, often at bars, before spending time with their families on Thursday.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging people to celebrate responsibly and not drive under the influence.

Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 17 people were killed on Ohio’s roadways, with 30 percent related to impaired driving, according to the highway patrol. Last year 27 people were killed due to impaired driving between the Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve holidays.

AAA predicts 43.6 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday.

Patrol officials say motorists should schedule plenty of time for road trips, so as not to speed. Safety should be the top priority, not getting there in record time.

“We all share the responsibility of contributing to a safe holiday on Ohio roadways by obeying all traffic laws and never driving impaired,” said Colonel John Born, patrol superintendent. “As a member of the motoring public, you can help save lives by reporting unsafe and aggressive drivers to law enforcement.”  

Troopers ask motorists to contact the Patrol by calling #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers.