COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—As Ohioans prepare for Thanksgiving gatherings, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are urging citizens to prioritize safety and responsible alcohol consumption to prevent fatal crashes and other unintended consequences.

The call for caution comes as statistics from last year’s five-day Thanksgiving reporting period showed a tragic toll on Ohio’s roadways. During that time, 11 people were killed in 10 crashes, with alcohol and/or drugs identified as a contributing factor in five of the fatal incidents. Authorities also reported three pedestrians were fatally struck.

“This holiday season, as Ohioans gather to celebrate and give thanks, let’s also commit to making safety and responsibility a priority,” said Division Superintendent Jackie DeGenova. DeGenova also reminded liquor permit holders to serve alcohol responsibly and ensure it “stays out of the wrong hands.”

Colonel Charles A. Jones, superintendent of the Patrol, stressed the life-saving importance of planning ahead.

“By designating a sober driver, staying focused on the road and ensuring everyone is properly wearing a safety belt, you’re not just protecting yourself – you’re helping to save lives,” Jones said.

Key Safety Reminders

The Division of Liquor Control provided a list of practical tips for those who plan to consume alcohol during the holiday:

  • Plan a safe ride home in advance by identifying a designated driver, downloading ride-share apps, or saving contact information for local taxi services.
  • Stay hydrated and eat a meal before attending events where alcohol is served.
  • Adhere to Ohio’s open container laws, which prohibit open containers of alcohol in vehicles and public spaces, unless within a liquor permit holder’s premises or a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). Patrons in DORAs must stay within the clearly marked boundaries.
  • Hosts are cautioned not to serve alcohol to anyone under 21 or to individuals who are already intoxicated. Providing alcohol to minors can result in up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine for each offense.

Liquor permit holders are also reminded to enforce proactive measures, such as checking identification at the point of sale, to prevent underage sales. Ohioans can report suspected violations to the Ohio Investigative Unit.