PARKERSBURG — Law enforcement companies within the Mid-Ohio Valley might be looking out for drunk drivers and others driving in a reckless method over the New Year’s vacation.
And one taxi cab firm might be offering rides for those that want them.
Law enforcement officers in Wood County and the Marietta space don’t plan on doing something past what they usually do, however there might be extra police and sheriff’s division patrols to ensure folks keep protected.
Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard stated the division plans on regular patrol staffing, however is not going to take any measures out of the extraordinary.
“We are going to have our normal patrol,” Woodyard stated.
And Woodyard additionally stated his deputies might be working in heavy visitors areas.
“Quite frankly, we have more problems on Christmas Eve than New Year’s Eve,” he stated.
Sgt. Garic Warner of the Ohio State Highway Patrol in Marietta is trying to step up the presence of troopers.
Warner stated, “What we’ll do is have everyone on the road,” Warner stated.
He plans on being absolutely staffed on Friday and Saturday.
Warner additionally stated he needs his troopers to be proactive, wanting them to make a cease earlier than a crash slightly than after.
Woodyard stated he recommends drivers to be sober, or use a chosen driver, or take a taxi cab.
Warner stated for folks to make plans earlier than going out to drink.
“If you might be ingesting, plan forward, don’t drive distracted, and get a chosen driver, Warner stated.
And Warner additionally asks that if folks see somebody driving drunk or in an erratic vogue to name the closest Ohio State Highway Patrol submit at #677.
One firm who plans on making rides obtainable over the vacation weekend is Yellow Taxi in Parkersburg.
Scot Heckert of the corporate says his firm might be action-packed at the moment.
“It will be non-stop and people who call need to be patient and we’ll get to them as quick as we can.”
On a standard evening, there are 6-10 cabs on the highway, however over the vacation weekend, Heckert stated he plans on having 12 to fifteen cabs in service.
In years previous, the state of West Virginia has sponsored folks’s rides, however Heckert stated he hasn’t been notified of any subsidies for this yr by the state.
Those needing a experience this vacation weekend might contact Yellow Taxi at (304) 422-4000.
Other choices embody rideshare providers.
Larry Launstein Jr. may be reached at llaunstein@newsandsentinel.com.