Law Enforcement: You've Been Warned About Drinking and Driving

Walking around town this holiday weekend may be the best way to get around Lakewood — especially if you’re considering having a few drinks.

The will be on the lookout for drunken drivers this Labor Day weekend. 

“Don’t drink and drive,” said Sgt. Steve Spaetzel of the Lakewood Police Department. “We’ll be looking for drunk drivers — we always do.”

One way to avoid drinking and driving is to put the car keys down altogether, he said.

“People don’t need to drink and drive here,” Spaetzel said. “People can walk from bar to bar, then walk home. Obviously, that helps us.”

Labor Day weekend is traditionally a dangerous time on Ohio roads, particularly for impaired driving — so law enforcement around the state are warning motorists about drinking and driving.

Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be out in full force on the roads and highways. 

During last year’s Labor Day weekend, 11 people were killed on Ohio roadways, including six that were alcohol-related. More than 530 drivers were arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated during the same time.

“So far this year traffic crash fatalities are down and OVI arrests are up – and we hope to continue this trend over the holiday weekend,” said Colonel John Born, superintendent of the Ohio Highway Patrol said in a statement. “Motorists need to make smart decisions, they need to plan ahead and designate a sober driver or call a taxi to ensure that everyone makes it home safe.”