Patrick Brennan

pbrennan@enquirer.com

Drink in plenty of holiday cheer this week, but be sure to monitor your holiday beer intake as local law enforcement agencies will be stepping up patrols for impaired drivers.

In Butler County, an "OVI Blitz" designed to detect and deter impaired drivers on State Route 4 will take place Friday and Saturday, according to a news release from the Butler County OVI Task Force.

Other local jurisdictions will be increasing patrols in anticipation of the big party weekend and increased possibility of impaired drivers, according to the news release.



"With the increased patrols, our officers want to make sure the roads are safe and there are no unnecessary tragedies on our roads," said Butler County OVI Coordinator Carl Phillips in the news release.

The weekend before Christmas is a well-known time for holiday-themed parties. If you plan on attending an office or neighborhood party, here are plenty of ways to "drink in" the holiday spirit and avoid a damaging OVI arrest. The Butler County Sheriff's Office offers these helpful suggestions for this weekend ahead:

- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin

- Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys

- If you are impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member so you are sure to get home safely.

- If you happen to see an impaired driver, contact your local law enforcement agency







