Drunken driving is focus of State Rt. 51 checkpoint

6/8/2007

GENOA, Ohio Law-enforcement officers throughout Ottawa County will participate in a low-manpower drunken-driving checkpoint this evening and tomorrow morning.

The checkpoint will be on State Rt. 51 just west of Genoa-Clay Center Road in Clay Township, Ottawa County sheriff s Capt. Stephen Levorchick said.

The checkpoint s purpose is to deter unsafe driving and educate drivers on the danger of impaired driving, Captain Levorchick said.

About five officers will have jurisdiction and the power of arrest throughout Ottawa County for the initiative.

Saturation patrols will be stationed nearby in an effort to aggressively combat alcohol-related injury and fatal crashes, the captain said.

In addition to the impaired-driving enforcement, officers will check for seat-belt violations, Captain Levorchick said.