WOOD COUNTY, Ohio — As Thanksgiving approaches, so does one of the most popular nights of the year for drinking.
Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn announced increased traffic patrols for the holiday week throughout the county.
"Wednesday of Thanksgiving weekend is the highest drinking night of the year!" Wasylyshyn said in a news release Tuesday. "Please be sure to have a safe way home should you be under the influence of alcohol."
Deputies will be on the lookout for violations including driving under the influence, failure to yield and speeding, which are all major contributors to fatal crashes. Deputies will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for those driving under the influence and for seat belt violations.
The initiative, funded through a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, runs through Saturday, Nov. 30.
Not only does it include Thanksgiving Eve, but it also includes Saturday's rivalry game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines.
If you find yourself in a situation where you may need a ride home, plan in advance. The state of Ohio is partnering with Lyft to offer $20 ride credits, while supplies last, through the week.
For more information on traffic safety efforts in Ohio, visit the Wood County Sheriff’s Office website at http://www.woodcountysheriff.com or the Ohio Traffic Safety Office at http://ohiohighwaysafetyoffice.ohio.gov.
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