Twenty-four people have been killed in crashes on Butler County roads this year, and area law enforcement agencies say they are working hard to make sure no more families lose loved ones in the final days of 2012.

To that end, the Butler County OVI Task Force and the Ohio State Highway Patrol will conduct an OVI blitz along the county’s stretch of Ohio 4 today and Saturday to detect and deter impaired drivers.

Police agencies not situated near Ohio 4 will have additional officers in their jurisdictions also looking for impaired drivers.

Keeping motorists safe is a top priority as holiday party-goers and last-minute shoppers hit the roads on the last weekend before Christmas, according to Lt. Ed Mejia, commander of the Hamilton Post of the highway patrol.

Fatal crashes in Butler County have increased from 18 crashes resulting in 20 deaths in 2011 to 20 crashes resulting in 24 deaths so far this year, according to police crash data.

“With the increased patrols, we are trying to save as many lives as possible,” Mejia said.

Funding for the blitz comes from grants awarded to local police agencies and the highway patrol budgets money for enforcement crackdowns during times of the year when impaired driving is a particular problem.

“People will be out this weekend enjoying the holiday season. Our officers want to make sure the roads are safe and there are no unnecessary tragedies on our roads,” said Butler County Task Force Coordinator Carl Phillips.

For a safer holiday weekend, the Butler County OVI Task Force recommends these tips:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person the 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 on the road, contact your local law enforcement agency.