Athens, OH – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is warning drivers about a rise in impaired driving after a trooper from the Athens Post was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver in a crash documented on video.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the collision occurred overnight when the wrong-way driver hit the trooper’s cruiser. As first responders worked the scene, a second impaired driver allegedly approached and nearly collided with emergency personnel. Moments later, a third impaired driver entered the same crash site—also traveling the wrong way.
Troopers say the alarming chain of events highlights the extreme dangers of impaired and reckless driving, particularly as the state enters the busy holiday travel season. No fatalities were immediately reported, but officials emphasized how quickly such situations can escalate.
“Incidents like this show how dangerous impaired driving can be for both the public and first responders,” the agency stated in its release. The department urged motorists to plan safe rides, stay alert, and never drive under the influence.
Ohio authorities say extra patrols and sobriety checkpoints are being planned in coming weeks to deter impaired driving.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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