Canton, OH – Stark County drivers can expect increased DUI enforcement beginning today as the Sheriff’s Office launches its Winter Holiday Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The countywide initiative runs December 12 through January 1, and deputies will conduct high-visibility patrols aimed at stopping impaired drivers before crashes occur.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, alcohol-impaired crashes rise significantly during the holiday season. In December 2023, 1,038 people nationwide were killed in impaired-driving crashes, with drunk male drivers involved in 22 percent of fatal incidents. Young adults ages 21–34 represented the highest share of impaired drivers in fatal crashes during December at 27 percent.
Nighttime hours remain especially dangerous. Federal data shows 30 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. during December 2023 were drunk. Nearly half of impaired-driving fatalities occurred between midnight and 2:59 a.m.
“Not only is driving impaired illegal, it is dangerous and never acceptable,” Stark County Sheriff Eric Weisburn said. He noted that deputies will be “out in full force” to identify and remove impaired drivers from Stark County roadways, emphasizing the campaign’s goal of keeping community members safe during the holiday season.
Law enforcement officials are urging drivers to plan ahead before drinking, arrange designated drivers, or use a taxi or rideshare service. Friends are also encouraged to step in when someone attempts to drive after drinking.
The campaign is supported by a grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Traffic Safety Office.
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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