The commander of the Portsmouth Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol says he will wait until this morning to announce the location of an Ohio Vehicle Inspection checkpoint that will be set up in Scioto County tonight.

“On average, there are more than 16,000 alcohol-related traffic crashes that kill more than 450 people each year in Ohio,” said Lt. Edward Crispen. “These checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving, but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.”

Crispen said, in addition, the Patrol reportedly will continue its strict enforcement of safety belt violations.

“Numerous studies have concluded that wearing a safety belt, and having children properly restrained in child safety seats, dramatically improves a person's likelihood to avoid serious injury or death resulting from a motor vehicle crash,” Crispen said.

He also said troopers will have zero tolerance for safety belt offenses when motorists are stopped for violations and are not wearing a required safety belt, or don't have children properly restrained in child safety seats.

Col. Paul D. McClellan, superintendent of the Patrol, said if drivers plan to consume alcohol, they should designate a driver or make other travel arrangements before they drink.

The OVI checkpoint is funded by federal grant funds.

FRANK LEWIS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.