‘No excuses’: OSHP cracking down on dangerous drivers over July 4 weekend

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Local and state law enforcement are beefing up patrols for the long 4th of July holiday weekend.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced a zero-tolerance policy for impaired, speeding and aggressive drivers.

A spokesperson said that OSHP will be “highly visible” and “cracking down” on dangerous drivers from both the air and on the ground from Wednesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 7 at 11:59 p.m.

“We’ve seen a lot of officers today, the State Patrol actually. It’s a good thing,” said Clarice Edwards who was driving through Ohio from Omaha with her family.

Independence Day has become a deadly holiday in the state, according to OSHP, with 12 deaths last year and 50 lives lost over the past three years in car crashes. Multiple motorcyclists and pedestrians have also lost their lives.

“People seem to be driving more and more aggressively,” said Capt. Gerry Vogel with the Westlake Police Department.

Their department and many others are also increasing their patrols.

“We will have extra patrols out looking for aggressive driving, excessive speeding, DUIs especially. It’s so dangerous to drink and drive now and so easy to get a ride share at this point. There are no excuses for driving intoxicated,” said Capt. Vogel.

The rise in wild driving has been building in recent weeks.

State troopers have posted pictures on X of some incredibly dangerous speeds from 85 mph up to 116 mph recorded in Cuyahoga County.

“The roads are awful,” said Dave Broadhurst from Akron, who drives over 30 minutes every day for work. “It is awful! People are zipping around you and cutting you off.”

Another traveler from Wisconsin told FOX 8 they’d seen similar driving Wednesday.

“From one side to the other, they’re bobbing and weaving,” said Melissa Petersen.

But she also witnessed many officers at work pulling people over.

“There has been a police presence which is really nice, really nice,” she said.

Troopers are encouraging people to call #677 to report reckless and impaired drivers, as well as stranded motorists and drug activity.

“Limit the distractions and just make sure you’re being responsible,” said Capt. Vogel.

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