OVI checkpoint tonight in Butler County

The checkpoint will be on Dixie Highway (Ohio 4) at Symmes Road. It is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. and last no longer than 3 a.m.

In addition to the checkpoint, there will be saturation patrols in the area, as part of the task force’s continuing effort to reduce OVI-related crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities.

On Wednesday, area safety groups put out this message: Even if it’s a little bit of alcohol you drink during the Thanksgiving holiday week, it may be too much to drive.

That’s the warning issued by Butler County Safe Communities and the Butler County OVI Task Force, which have partnered with the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to put out the warning this holiday season.

“It’s essential to take some time to remember that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving,” the release states. “If your plans to celebrate include alcohol, plan for a sober driver. You may have heard of the popular trend during the Thanksgiving holiday, ‘Blackout Wednesday,’ which occurs on the eve of Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, this trend encourages the heavy consumption of alcohol, which is why we’re working hard to keep drunk drivers off the roads.”

“We know friends and families will be especially excited to gather around the Thanksgiving table this year,” said Pete Reising, coordinator for Butler County Safe Communities, and the Butler County OVI Task Force. “Unfortunately, drunk driving is a real threat to our community, and that threat increases during holidays like Thanksgiving. We want our drivers to take Blackout Wednesday seriously,” he said.

“This is a dangerous trend. Driving under the influence is deadly and illegal, and no one should ever take that risk.”

The Butler County safety groups said that during the 2020 Thanksgiving season, Butler County saw six alcohol-related crashes with two of them including people being injured.

Celebrate with a plan (from the Safety Council of Southwestern Ohio)

If you’re planning to head out to the bar or to parties during the Thanksgiving holiday, make sure you plan for a sober ride home. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a safe night out.

· Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

· If you see a drunk driver on the road, dial 911 or #677.

· Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

· Wear your seat belt.

· Phone down, head up. Stay Alive Don’t Text and Drive.