Boardman plans OVI patrols

Police plan more patrols Super Bowl Sunday.

BOARDMAN — A recent spike in the number of crashes tied to operating a vehicle while impaired has prompted township police to act.

“We will be supplementing our regular patrols with high visibility patrols the day of the Super Bowl on Sunday,” said Chief Patrick Berarducci. “We want everyone to play it safe and have a designated sober driver when they leave their favorite Super Bowl party.”

The New York Giants face the New England Patriots in Sunday’s game.

The department’s efforts come at a time when the township is experiencing an increase in OVI-related crashes.

“We had 17 OVI crashes in January,” the chief said. “That is unacceptable. As part of our efforts in cracking down on impaired driving, we will aggressively investigate any and all reports of impaired driving made by the public.”

To report a suspected drunken driver, call police at (330) 726-4144.

Police suggest some precautions to avoid problems:

UWhenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.

UIf impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or a sober rides program or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

UPromptly report drunken drivers you see on roadways to law enforcement.

UWearing your safety belt while in a car is your best defense against an impaired driver.

Funding for the patrols is provided by the Mahoning County OVI Task Force and the Ohio Department of Public Safety Governor’s Highway Safety Office.