Ohio State Highway Patrol Wants Drivers To Help Keep Roadways Safe

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are launching a program called Community Shield to enlist Ohio drivers to help them out.

Troopers said that drunken-drivers, drug traffickers and human traffickers are making Ohio roads unsafe.

Trooper Paul Scott said that sometimes spotting criminal activity on the road can be difficult because of how elusive some criminals can be.

“Everybody is a perfect driver when law enforcement is around,” Scott said.

According to Scott, criminal activity can be found in the most unexpected places. Officers just need more eyes.

“Minor traffic offenses can become big things, you just always keep your eyes open,” Scott said.

Through training programs, like one hosted on Tuesday, residents learn how to recognize the signs of impaired drivers, human and drug trafficking and other criminal activity on the roads.

Once trained, OSP officials want drivers to call the patrol if they see something suspicious or dangerous.

“The public is very important to helping us do our jobs,” Scott said.

Scott said that help is more important than ever.

OSP officials said that dangerous crashes on roadways are up this year.

Fatalities this year have reached 884. Last time this year, there were only 803 fatal crashes.

OSP Lt. Gary Lewis said that he hopes the new program will help prevent future fatalities.

“Often times, we’re very reactive to criminal elements when you look at statistics,” Lewis said.

OSP officials asked anyone who sees suspicious activity on the state roadways to call 911. If you believe you see a drunken-driver on the road, call *677 from your cell phone.

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