LIBERTY Police take steps to reduce alcohol-related fatalities

Alcohol-related fatalities in the state are increasing.
LIBERTY -- With more people expected to travel on Ohio highways this holiday season, authorities say it could be one of the deadliest periods ever for fatalities involving impaired drivers.
The township police department will support efforts by the Ohio Department of Public Safety to protect citizens.
As part of the "You Drink and Drive, You Lose" campaign, Liberty police will work with other Ohio law enforcement agencies between Dec. 20 and Jan. 5.
Officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and have extra patrols throughout the township.
Clear message
"There will be no warnings," said Chief Anthony Slifka. "Our message is simple: You drink and drive, you lose.
"Violators can lose their licenses, time from their jobs and money in high fines and court costs, as well as possibly face imprisonment for repeat offenses, assault and vehicular manslaughter."
Slifka said those who refuse a blood-alcohol test could lose their licenses on the spot and have their vehicles impounded.
After years of gradual improvement, fatalities in alcohol-related crashes are on the rise in Ohio.
Last year, 375 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. During last year's holiday season, 22 people were killed on Ohio roads. Nine of those were alcohol-related crashes.
Township officers remind people to choose a designated driver rather than risk drinking and driving, and to report impaired drivers by calling (800) GRAB-DUI (472-2384) or *DUI on a cell phone.
The "You Drink and Drive, You Lose" campaign was launched in December 1999.