According to the 2021 statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 37 people die every day due to driving while intoxicated; that is one person being victim to alcohol every 39 minutes. A total of 13,384 succumbed to alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths, which is a spike of 14% from 2020.
The severity of these cases has raised grave concerns since it not only affects the driver but also the innocent lives claimed in the accident. And who better than news channels to have a better grasp of this potent danger? But the following case is an irony served on a hot platter.
On November 23, 2023, a WKYC Channel 3 meteorologist, Hollie Strano, was driving on Thanksgiving in Summit County. When police spotted her speeding at 70 mph at a 35 mph speed limit zone on Akron-Peninsula road, they tried to pull her over, but Strano’s car swerved off to the opposite of the road and crashed into a pole.
Hollie Strano was arrested for ‘Operating a Vehicle while Impaired’ (OVI). An OVI charge is applicable if the alcohol level in the driver exceeds 0.08%, causing impairment. In Strano’s case, the level was three times the limit at 0.244%.
What Happened To Hollie Strano On The Night Of Thanksgiving? Why Was The Meteorologist Arrested?
Thanksgiving is the most peaceful holiday of the year when families gather together to express gratitude. No extravagant, loud parties; just your loved ones sitting and having a scrumptious meal together.
Even though there might be a ticking trigger of bickering, banters, and taunts, overall, the holiday is a quiet affair.
The point here is that it is quite uncommon for someone to get so drunk during such a festive get-together. We don’t know the context of this case yet, but one wrong turn cost the local news channel staff her entire career, reputation, and possible imprisonment.
On the night of Thanksgiving on Thursday, a police car was patrolling around the Akron Peninsula Road in Summit County. Out of nowhere, a car zoomed past at 70 kmph. The police officer sprung into action to pull over the vehicle that violated the 35kmph speed limit. But just as he indicates the driver to pull over, the car went haywire, started driving on the wrong side, and eventually crashed into a utility pole.
After the vehicle stopped spinning, the police officer rushed to check on the driver. And just by the looks and smell, it was quite evident that the driver was hammered. But what was more shocking was that the driver was a local TV personality and meteorologist at WKYC channel, Hollie Strano.
After a preliminary test, Strano’s alcohol levels were at a whopping 0.244%. Ohio has stringent laws where 0.08% is considered intoxicated.
Strano was immediately apprehended and charged with operating a vehicle while impaired, or OVI. She is scheduled for an arraignment in Cuyahoga Falls Mayor’s Court on November 30, Thursday.
OVI Charge In The USA Explained
The Ohio law for drunk driving states that impairment is categorized as caused by alcohol, substance abuse, prescription medicines, or over-the-counter drugs. This loss of conscious judgment due to external factors is considered a potential threat to drivers, pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles.
Here are the criteria to be charged with OVI as per the Ohio legislature–
- Blood Alcohol Concentration levels over 0.08.
- Plasma alcohol concentration over 0.096.
- Urine alcohol concentration over 0.11.
- Marijuana blood concentration– 2 nanograms per milliliter or marijuana urine concentration–10 nanograms per milliliter.
As per the police reports, Strano’s BAC levels reached a peak of 0.244, three times the limit. So, you can imagine how dangerous it was to drive at such intoxication.
Violating this law might result in a sentence of one year in prison, a suspended license for 12 years, and a fine of $2750.
Strano’s lawyer, Ian Friedman, said that “thankfully,” Strano did not sustain any injuries in the crash. He further elaborates in the statement–
“To be clear, this is Hollie’s first-ever encounter with the justice system.”
“During this difficult time, I hope that people will extend their support to her and honor her privacy.”
Hollie Strano (50) worked at WKYC for more than two decades, mainly known for her appearance in “GO,” an early morning slot news airing weekdays from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m.
The general manager at the news network, Micki Byrnes, released a statement:
“This is a personnel matter, and we are not going to comment at this time.”
Per WKYC’s own reporting, Strano refused treatment at a local hospital after being arrested.
What is your verdict? Do you think Strano deserved a prison sentence? Should she be fired from the network? Let us know in the comments section below.
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