By 1808Delaware
Families browsing the Back-to-School Bash at Tanger Outlets Columbus this Friday will see more than sales and school supplies. At 1:30 PM on August 8, the SAFE Delaware County Coalition will launch its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, turning the popular shopping center at 400 S Wilson Rd. in Sunbury into a rally point for roadway safety.
A Season of High-Visibility Enforcement
From August 13 through September 1—including the busy Labor Day weekend—the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will partner with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and every local police department in Delaware County. Patrol cruisers and municipal squads will blanket highways and main streets, watching for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Colonel Charles A. Jones, superintendent of the Patrol, framed the effort in personal terms:
“Telling families that your loved one won’t be coming home is one of the most difficult duties our troopers face, especially during the holiday season. When you plan ahead and make responsible decisions, such as driving sober, you’re helping to ensure a safe holiday season for everyone.”
Stark Numbers, Steadfast Resolve
Since 2020, troopers statewide have issued more than 80,000 citations related to operating a vehicle impaired (OVI). Nearly one in four of those involved drivers under the influence of at least one drug. Those statistics drive the coalition’s annual push to remind Ohioans—and visitors—what is at stake.
How the Community Can Help
Officials ask motorists to do more than hand over their keys. Delaware County residents who spot reckless or impaired driving—or observe drug activity on the road—are urged to dial #677. The number connects directly to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, whose dispatchers can alert the nearest unit.
Tips for a Safer Labor Day Weekend
- Designate a driver before the first drink.
- Use ride-sharing apps or public transit when plans change.
- Host responsibly. Offer non-alcoholic options and ensure guests get home safely.
- Buckle up. Seat belts remain the simplest life-saving device in a crash.
Looking Ahead
SAFE Delaware County’s kickoff is more than a single afternoon announcement—it is a reminder that sober driving saves lives long after summer ends. As Colonel Jones and local leaders unite on Friday, their message is clear: enjoy the holiday, but if you drive impaired, expect to see blue lights in the rear-view mirror.
