The Ohio State Highway Patrol says it will be highly visible and cracking down on impaired drivers during the Fourth of July holiday reporting period.

The Patrol’s zero-tolerance policy is part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign aimed at removing impaired drivers from the roadways.

“Many Fourth of July celebrations involve alcohol, which increases the possibility of impaired driving. Therefore, the Patrol urges motorists to buckle up, drive safely and follow all traffic laws,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent.

During last year’s Fourth of July reporting period, a total of 16 fatal crashes killed 16 people. Of those, 11 crashes and 11 fatalities involved alcohol and/or drugs. The Patrol also made 447 OVI arrests during the reporting period.

Of the seven fatalities in which safety belts were available, five were unbelted. There were seven motorcyclists and two pedestrians also killed during this time frame.

“Too often our troopers see the tragic side of holiday celebrations,” Colonel Jones added.

“When you operate a vehicle impaired, you’re putting the lives of everyone on our roadways at risk.”