OSP, stepping up drunken driving enforcement
 / File
SANDUSKY -- A friendly reminder from the Ohio State Highway Patrol as the holiday season hits full swing, if you drink don't drive.
Troopers want to warn motorists they will be aggressive in stopping drunken drivers between now and New Years.
The patrol says the increased focus on impaired driving has netted about 1,400 more arrests so far this year, compared to the same time in 2010.
"Time after time in public opinion surveys, motorists rank being hit by a drunk driver as one of their top fears about driving," Colonel John Born, Patrol superintendent, said. "One important way state troopers and our law enforcement colleagues around Ohio are working to make Ohio roads safe to travel is by aggressively searching for, and removing, impaired drivers from the roadways before they can cause a tragedy to someone in your family, or someone you know."
The time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day can be one of the most dangerous on the road. During that time period last year, there where 39 fatalities in accidents involving alcohol.
Troopers say the stepped-up enforcement has brought a 4 percent drop in fatal crashes.
O.S.P reminds you to choose a designated driver if you decide to drink.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.