As people across the Miami Valley are preparing to ring in 2020, so too is the Ohio State Highway Patrol, reminding revelers to plan ahead and designate a driver.
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New's Center 7's Monica Castro will spend New Year's Eve on a ride along with a trooper as law enforcement officers are out in full force; on watch for impaired drivers.
"The issue is when people choose to get behind the wheel. Patrol would remind everyone to always drive sober, never drive impaired," Shelton Goodrum of the highway patrol said.
According to state patrol, last New Year's holiday brought 11 fatal crashes.
During this same time, troopers arrested 458 people on OVI charges.
"If you are going to be at an event where drinks will be served, get a designated driver," Goodrum said.
Before you leave the house New Year's Eve, the OSHP urges you make a plan to get back home.
Designate a sober driver, call an Uber or Lyft or use Montgomery County's ArriveSafe program.
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Because people may be tempted to get behind the wheel, troopers will be stopping anyone they suspect is driving impaired.
"We're going to have troopers out in force the next couple days and into the new year. We're looking to identify and apprehend impaired drivers," Goodrum said.
And because it is the new year, OSHP wants drivers to add a few resolutions to their lists: always wear a seat belt, don't drive distracted and never drive impaired.
If you encounter an impaired driver, call #677.
