Mercer County to increase police presence throughout Thanksgiving weekend

Extra cruisers will be patrolling throughout Mercer County this Thanksgiving weekend in an attempt to reduce traffic crashes and identify impaired drivers, according to Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Executive Assistant.

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Officers from Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) will have extra cruisers patrolling to focus on impaired driving, seat belt usage and distracted driving, the spokesperson said in a media release shared with News Center 7.

“As a reminder, motorist should always use your seat belts and never drive if you have been drinking,” the spokesperson said in the media release. “The staff of the Sheriff’s office and OSHP reminds citizens that 2022 has been a dangerous and deadly year on Mercer County roadways.”

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Area roadways are historically more traveled during this holiday, the spokesperson said. These extra deputies will allow for increased traffic visibility in hopes to keep the streets safe.

Mercer County has had nine fatal crashes, with 10 people killed in those traffic crashes, the release stated.

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