TRAFFIC PATROLS OSHP, local cops to target big cities

The patrol and metropolitan departments will join to combat serious crashes.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- The Ohio State Highway Patrol and local police departments are teaming up this summer to reduce the number of traffic fatalities near Ohio's largest cities.
Patrols will target impaired and reckless drivers in the five metropolitan areas where nearly 20 percent of the state's traffic crash deaths occur, said Lt. Rick Zwayer, a patrol spokesman.
"We've recognized that, while rural fatalities have generally over the years been on the decline, the metropolitan fatalities have been on the increase," he said. "That's kind of turned around a little bit in the other direction. We want to keep it turning around."
With the patrol, departments in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton and Toledo will step up efforts to combat serious crashes on interstate and outerbelt highways, he said. The program is to be funded largely through fines paid by convicted drunken drivers.
"Any increase in patrols in any of these areas would be beneficial to prevent accidents," said Cleveland Sgt. Dan Galmarini. "Especially with that [20 percent] statistic, ... it's beneficial to our department as well as the people on the road."
Efficient use of resources
Zwayer said combining forces helps law enforcement keep up with increasing responsibilities. Departments are responsible for new homeland security matters but also must continue regular duties such as criminal investigations and traffic safety, he said.
"The issue comes down to 'Where do we best put our resources?'," Zwayer said. "With local law enforcement agencies being spread thin and our people being spread thin as well, it's important that we find ways like this ... to specifically address the problem."
In June, the effort will target impaired drivers using sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols and focusing on work zones and areas with high levels of commuter traffic. In July, it will target interstates around metropolitan areas.
Zwayer said troopers, who traditionally are responsible for the state's rural areas, will work overtime to take part in the traffic effort, "so we don't discard our responsibilities in rural areas but also put officers in metropolitan areas."
Information on Web site
The Highway Patrol released detailed information about fatal crashes last week on its Web site. The site uses satellite images and other resources to give officers across the state details on crashes and the effectiveness of traffic stops and help them determine the most appropriate sites for patrols.
Zwayer said the public can also determine areas to avoid by using the various statistics, which are posted at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov. Information available includes locations of crashes, maps and crash details, including whether alcohol use was suspected.