OVI checkpoints, saturation patrols in Mahoning County tonight

The Mahoning County OVI Task Force, in conjunction with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, is conducting two OVI checkpoints in Austintown tonight.

The first checkpoint started at 10 p.m. at 1051 S. Raccoon Road, and will run until midnight.

The second is on Mahoning Avenue at Howard, and will run from 1 to 3 a.m.

In addition, police officers from participating agencies of the task force and OSHP will be conducting saturation patrols in various parts of Mahoning County throughout the weekend.

The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is aimed at deterring and intercepting impaired drivers. Several agencies besides OSHP work collaboratively with the task force and provide support: Ohio Department of Transportation, Mahoning County EMA, and Mahoning Safe Communities.

The checkpoint are conducted in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols to aggressively combat alcohol-related injury and fatal crashes.

Motorists need to make arrangements to get home safely if they are planning on consuming alcohol.