OVI checkpoints in Ohio

OHIO–Traffic is forced to slow when it reaches a sign that reads “OVI Checkpoint Ahead.” Exactly 750 feet after the warning, cars are sifted into separate lanes on the road. Officers at the checkpoint location tag and filter out cars systematically in order to pull a random group of drivers. The drivers pulled to the side of the road are asked to reveal their license and registration. Officers also ask them if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Operating Vehicle Intoxicated (OVI) checkpoints are successful in lowering drug and alcohol induced car accidents. According to Ohio State Highway Patrol’s records, in 1999, over 23,000 alcohol-related car accidents occurred, and about 13,000 crashes occurred in 2012.

OVI checkpoints take place in locations that show a significant history in alcohol-related car accidents or impaired driving violations. The time of day must be parallel with crash history as well. A checkpoint’s location and time varies from county to county, city to city and case by case.

“If we do a checkpoint from 10pm to midnight we’ve shown problems within those specific times,” Shirey said.

James Prusha, Administrative Lt. of the Kent Police Department, says he knows of one past checkpoint location within city limits. He recalls a past checkpoint taking place near Rockne’s on East Main Street.

During OVI checkpoints, officers attempt to seek out any person who is driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and prescription drugs. Officers conducting the checkpoint determine the sequence of vehicles to be stopped. The sequence only changes upon traffic flow and volume.

Shirey says safety is a top priority. Warning devices such as electronic signs must be placed 750 feet from the checkpoint. Other signals such as lighted barrels and reflector fusers prepare traffic to slow down and they help direct vehicles into specific lanes. Officers must wear reflective vests as well and carry flashlights.

Shirey says OVI checkpoints cost between $5,000 and $7,000, which is fueled by federal grant funds from sources such as the National Highway Safety Administration. This cost varies upon the number of officers involved.

“There are benefits to these,” Shirey said. “Our main goal is to deter drinking drivers. We want to make people aware of the problem. Forty-two percent of fatal car crashes last year involved alcohol. When you look at the big picture we are making progress. The Highway Patrol has removed more than 141,000 OVI drivers since 2008.”

Those caught operating a vehicle intoxicated are put under arrest and are given the choice of taking a breath, blood or urine test at the nearest police station. If the test is refused altogether, that person’s license will be suspended for one year.

The public is notified about OVI checkpoints on three different occasions. The Ohio State Highway Patrol releases information five days before, the day before and the day of the checkpoint. This information can be found on the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s website and Facebook page.

Links:

http://statepatrol.ohio.gov

https://www.facebook.com/OhioStateHighwayPatrol

http://statepatrol.ohio.gov/sobcheck.stm