Local law officials stepping up patrols
By NATALEE SEELY nseely@newsandsentinel.comPARKERSBURG - Area law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for traffic violations over the Thanksgiving holiday.
"Thanksgiving can be a dangerous time for motorists, especially unbelted ones," said Toni Tiano, program director for the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Highway Safety Program.
"As a result of a high volume of traffic and crashes, area law enforcement agencies will be having additional officers patrolling the streets within their jurisdiction."
This Thanksgiving, there will be a 2.1 percent increase of Americans traveling by car compared to last year, according to the AAA auto club.
During the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday travel season, 389 passengers were killed in car accidents nationwide, and 55 percent of those victims were unrestrained , Tiano said.
Sixteen law enforcement agencies in the Mid-Ohio Valley area have received state grants to fund the extra patrols, she said.
Wood County Sheriff Jeff Sandy said drivers should stay focused during the busy holiday weekend.
"I have personally seen people swerving over the road while they utilize their cell phones," he said. "I know it's the holiday season. There is last minute shopping to do and people are worried about getting the turkey done on time, but the important thing is to stay focused while driving. It only takes a split second to get into a car accident."
Wood County Sheriff's Office will have the normal number of patrols out this holiday season, Sandy said.
Additional patrols with the West Virginia State Police will be on the roads through Sunday. Officials cautioned drivers to abide by the speed limits, especially in construction zones.
Ohio law enforcement agencies also will be stepping up patrols during the holiday.
"We are committing as much manpower as we possibly can this weekend," said Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks.
"Basically, drivers should use common sense. Wear seat belts, drive within the speed limits and don't drink and drive," he said. "If you'll be traveling long distances, tell someone when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive at your destination. Take a cell phone with you."
Mincks said it is important to be courteous when traveling with so many other drivers on the road.
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yourstruly
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11-28-09 8:54 PM
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I'm sorry show dis-taste. Lost my train of thought.
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yourstruly
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11-28-09 8:52 PM
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Darkside the police are without question some of the most lazy people out there. The remark about them spending time with thier families, they are no different than the people that work at Speedway or Wallmart. They just get by with stealing and breaking other law's.
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yourstruly
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11-28-09 8:48 PM
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LAWHATER: Good God man if you are going dis-taste for the local PD's make sense man. I have issues with the local PD's,but I can't tell if you're in the stock market or the mental ward.
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SKINNY39
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11-25-09 11:42 PM
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LAWHATER .....huh?
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WeeJay
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11-25-09 7:40 PM
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CrazyJohn, I must admit you have me thoroughly confused...Minutes before you posted your negative comment below, you posted a more positive comment (seemingly in support of the police) on the article concerning Joe Martin being the new police chief. I can't help but wonder if the reason for your "CrazyJohn" moniker might be because you are bipolar. ??? Do you support the hard working officers of the Parkersburg Police Department and appreciate the inherent perils of their profession or not? Is it possible you just think the only thing they do is pull cars over because that is the most visible thing they do? You don't get to see them when they go to the hospital to speak to brutally beaten victims of domestic violence or when they speak with a child who just told them they were molested by a family member. I know you can't possibly be that naive.
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LAWHATER
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11-25-09 5:00 PM
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THEY,ARE NOTHING BUT COMMUNISTS THUGS,RAKING IN THE DOW FOR THEIR MASTERS
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Martin
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11-25-09 10:28 AM
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That's great They need to stop people for speeding and running stop signs. Parkersburg does not need to be worse than Williamstown
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Helena
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11-25-09 9:15 AM
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I think CrazyJohn needs to join the police force in Parkersburg. At least then ONE person would be doing something right huh?
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SKINNY39
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11-25-09 2:42 AM
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It IS possible to drive across town without being stopped IF you obey the law !!!! Isn't it great to live in the USA where anyone can say pretty much anything even if there are no facts to back up their words ??
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Darkside
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11-25-09 12:41 AM
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Wow, that was rather harsh. Police officers work very hard to protect us and keep us safe. While everyone else is enjoying their holiday time with family, they are busy working nonstop. It's about time they received the respect and admiration for all they do for us everyday.
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CrazyJohn
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11-25-09 12:11 AM
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Wow, I hope you can drive across town without being stopped now if Parkersburg has more traffic cops out. It seems that's all they do. It would be nice if they caught a criminal for a change such as armed robbers. maybe the public will solve it for them and they can do the paperwork and still have time for traffic cop.
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