Summit County drivers can expect Summit County sobriety checkpoints over the Thanksgiving holiday, as the Summit County OVI Task Force prepares to run enforcement operations on one of the busiest—and most dangerous—nights of the year for impaired driving.
According to a media release from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, the OVI Task Force will conduct sobriety checkpoints across Summit County on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, into the early morning hours of Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Who Is Organizing the Checkpoints?
The checkpoints are being coordinated by the Summit County OVI Task Force, led by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, headquartered at 53 University Avenue, Akron, OH 44308.
Chief Bill Holland is listed as the primary contact for the operation.
Why Thanksgiving Eve?
The night before Thanksgiving—often called “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving”—is widely known in law enforcement circles as one of the heaviest drinking nights of the year. Many people are back in town visiting family, meeting up with friends, and celebrating the long holiday weekend. That combination often leads to a spike in impaired driving arrests, alcohol-related crashes, and serious injuries or fatalities.
By announcing Summit County sobriety checkpoints ahead of time, the OVI Task Force aims to deter impaired driving, not just catch it. Publicizing checkpoint plans serves as a warning and reminder: if you choose to drink and drive, you are likely to encounter law enforcement.
What Drivers Can Expect
While the exact locations of the checkpoints were not detailed in the initial media release, drivers should be prepared for:
- Marked law enforcement presence along major roadways and in high-traffic areas.
- Brief, systematic stops where officers may check for signs of impairment.
- Additional saturation patrols in surrounding areas, meaning officers actively watching for impaired or dangerous driving behavior even outside the checkpoint itself.
The message from the Task Force is clear and repeated in its release:
“Drive Safe, Drive Smart, Drive Sober.”
Legal and Safety Considerations
Sobriety checkpoints are used across Ohio as a tool to prevent drunk and drug-impaired driving. While laws and procedures can be complex, these checkpoints are generally structured to:
- Be highly visible with signage, lights, and marked vehicles.
- Use non-discriminatory methods (such as stopping vehicles in a set pattern).
- Focus on safety and deterrence, not just enforcement.
Regardless of legal nuances, the simplest way to avoid any issues is also the safest: do not drive if you’ve been drinking or using drugs.
How to Plan Ahead
If you’ll be out in Summit County on November 26–27, 2025, you can protect yourself and others by planning ahead:
- Designate a sober driver before the night begins.
- Use rideshare, taxis, or public transit instead of driving yourself if you plan to drink.
- If you’re hosting a gathering, offer non-alcoholic options and help guests arrange safe rides home.
- If someone you know is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find another way home.
Contact Information
For media inquiries or further details about the Summit County sobriety checkpoints, the release lists:
- Chief Bill Holland
- Summit County Sheriff’s Office
- 53 University Avenue
- Akron, Ohio 44308
- Phone: 330-643-2114
- Email: BHolland@sheriff.summitoh.net
Community Message: Over the Limit, Under Arrest
The announcement is accompanied by the familiar statewide campaign slogan:
“DRUNK DRIVING: OVER THE LIMIT. UNDER ARREST.”
It underscores the central point of the upcoming enforcement effort: if you choose to drink and then get behind the wheel, you’re putting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk—and you’re likely to face serious legal consequences.
This Thanksgiving, the Summit County OVI Task Force is asking drivers to make responsible choices before the night begins, not after the last drink is poured.
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