Mid-Ohio Valley law enforcement preps patrols for impaired drivers - Parkersburg News
PARKERSBURG — Law enforcement agencies in the Mid-Ohio Valley will be on the lookout for drunk drivers and others driving in a reckless manner over the New Year’s holiday.
And one taxi cab company will be providing rides for those who need them.
Law enforcement officials in Wood County and the Marietta area do not plan on doing anything beyond what they normally do, but there will be more police and sheriff’s department patrols to make sure people stay safe.
Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard said the department plans on normal patrol staffing, but will not take any measures out of the ordinary.
“We are going to have our normal patrol,” Woodyard said.
And Woodyard also said his deputies will be working in heavy traffic areas.
“Quite frankly, we have more problems on Christmas Eve than New Year’s Eve,” he said.
Sgt. Garic Warner of the Ohio State Highway Patrol in Marietta is looking to step up the presence of troopers.
Warner said, “What we’ll do is have everyone on the road,” Warner said.
He plans on being fully staffed on Friday and Saturday.
Warner also said he wants his troopers to be proactive, wanting them to make a stop before a crash rather than after.
Woodyard said he recommends drivers to be sober, or use a designated driver, or take a taxi cab.
Warner said for people to make plans before going out to drink.
“If you are drinking, plan ahead, don’t drive distracted, and get a designated driver, Warner said.
And Warner also asks that if people see someone driving drunk or in an erratic fashion to call the nearest Ohio State Highway Patrol post at #677.
One company who plans on making rides available over the holiday weekend is Yellow Taxi in Parkersburg.
Scot Heckert of the company says his company will be action-packed at that time.
“It will be non-stop and people who call need to be patient and we’ll get to them as quick as we can.”
On a normal night, there are 6-10 cabs on the road, but over the holiday weekend, Heckert said he plans on having 12 to 15 cabs in service.
In years past, the state of West Virginia has subsidized people’s rides, but Heckert said he hasn’t been notified of any subsidies for this year by the state.
Those needing a ride this holiday weekend may contact Yellow Taxi at (304) 422-4000.
Other options include rideshare services.
Larry Launstein Jr. can be reached at [email protected].
source: https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2021/12/mid-ohio-valley-law-enforcement-preps-patrols-for-impaired-drivers/
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