SIDNEY – A joint effort between the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Sidney Police Department was conducted Saturday night as the agencies held an OVI checkpoint conducted on state Route 47 near Lester Road.

A total of 176 vehicles were checked driving through the checkpoint between 9 p.m. and midnight Saturday. Three drivers were diverted from the checkpoint and checked for impairment. None of the drivers who were diverted were arrested.

In addition to the checkpoint, troopers and officers from the Sidney Police Department were conducting saturation patrol in the area from 9 p.m. Saturday until 3 a.m. Sunday. As a result of the effort, 45 traffic contacts were made. One arrest was made for operating a vehicle impaired (OVI), one for driving under a suspended license, one for no driver’s license, seven for traffic violations, and one for safety belt usage. Thirty-five warnings were issued for various traffic and vehicle equipment infractions.

“At the end of the evening, our ultimate goal is just to educate motorists to do the right thing and make other arrangements if they are going to consume alcohol,” said Lieutenant Joseph Gebhart. “There is no place for impaired driving on our roadways and the public supports the efforts of these men and women out here tonight making their community safer.”`