COLUMBUS, OH -- Park officers at selected Ohio State Parks are placing increased emphasis on roadway safety and encouraging drivers to buckle up and drive responsibly during the upcoming holiday weekend, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The "Park Safe" traffic enforcement program, which coincides with the statewide "Click It or Ticket" campaign, encourages drivers within state parks to watch their speed, don't drink and drive, and be sure all adults and children are buckled up. Visitors at the 13 selected parks will see increased law enforcement from Friday, May 28 through Sunday, May 30.
"Our state parks are popular destinations for summer travelers, especially during holiday weekends, so it makes sense that we are partners in this statewide effort," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "When motorists buckle up and watch their speed, it helps us make sure that everyone has a safe, fun-filled visit while at an Ohio State Park."
The following state parks are participating in this year's "Park Safe" program: Alum Creek in Delaware County, Buck Creek in Clark County, Caesar Creek in Warren County, Cleveland Lakefront in Cuyahoga County, East Fork in Clermont County, Hueston Woods in Butler and Preble counties, Lake Milton in Mahoning County, Maumee Bay in Lucas County, Mohican in Richland and Ashland counties, Mosquito Lake in Trumbull County, Portage Lakes in Summit County, Salt Fork in Guernsey County, West Branch in Portage County.
Throughout the year, a $56,877 grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety helps pay for the increased patrol efforts by state park officers. Similar stepped-up enforcement dates are scheduled to take place the second and third weekends of June, and the July 4 weekend. Parks will participate in the statewide "You Drink & Drive. You Lose" program during Labor Day weekend, Friday, Sept. 3 - Sunday, Sept. 5. In addition, mobile speed alert trailers will be posted at various parks throughout the summer to remind motorists to watch their speed in areas where pedestrians and bicyclists might be sharing the road.
Last year's "Park Safe" program at 14 state parks yielded nine arrests for driving while intoxicated, 346 citations for violations of seatbelt and child restraint laws, and 698 speeding violations. Park officers worked more than 1,500 hours during these periods.
EDITORS NOTE: Reporters are invited to "ride along" with a park officer on patrols during the Memorial Day weekend. Anyone interested should enquire with Bob Dorinsky at (614) 265-6560.
Fire departments interested in additional information or in participating in the program should complete a FEPP request form available at their local state forest office. They may also contact Rick Maier, FEPP Program Coordinator, ODNR Division of Forestry, 345 Allen Ave., Chillicothe, Ohio, 45601. Phone: 740-773-1574.