State troopers to target area east of Port Clinton

8/19/2002

PORT CLINTON — The Ohio Highway Patrol started a two-month traffic-enforcement blitz yesterday targeting State Rt. 163 and State Rt. 53 east of the city.

Troopers in Sandusky said the blitz is necessary because of an increase in fatal crashes in Ottawa County this year. Authorities said 11 people have died so far this year, compared to five all of last year.

Nearly half of the 2002 crashes have involved alcohol. Troopers selected the enforcement area because of the increased number of traffic crashes, which included two alcohol-related fatal accidents.

The target enforcement will include a weeklong blitz using overtime funds to target motorists who drive under the influence, fail to use seat belts, and engage in other violations. The effort will continue after the initial blitz until Oct. 31, when troopers will target the areas at specific times of the day.