GROVEPORT, Ohio (WCMH) – Fatal crashes are increasing this year in our area and with the heroin epidemic reaching critical mass, officers are focused on getting impaired drivers off the road.
That’s why you may be seeing more flashing blue lights than normal this weekend.
Officers are working a saturation patrol in the Route 33 corridor, southeast of Columbus, known as the “heroin highway”.
“We have a lot of drugs that are shooting up and down 33,” says Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Joni Dodd.
She says she sees impaired driving all too often, under the influence of heroin, alcohol and other drugs.
“I know my family are on the same roads I’m patrolling and I pull impaired drivers off the road and it certainly gives me a sense of accomplishment,” says Trooper Dodd.
Ohio State Highway Patrol says there’s already been five more fatal car crashes in Franklin County this year compared to last year. OVI arrests are also up over 500 from last year, after implementing more targeted enforcement efforts.
“If you’re not doing anything illegal or you know that’s unsafe then you certainly have nothing to worry about,” says Trooper Dodd. “We’re just here to make Ohio a little bit safer.”
The saturation patrol goes until 6 a.m. Sunday morning. OSHP says they’ve already had a lot of success this weekend with felony, OVI and drug arrests.
Soon, all troopers will begin to carry Narcan, the life-saving opiate overdoses antidote. OSHP says their officers need it because of how often they come in contact with heroin and people overdosing.What others are clicking on: