Face coverings, social distancing and frequent hand washing cannot safeguard us against a scourge that will persist long after COVID-19 is just an unpleasant memory. It is motorists who seem to think they ought to have the right to drive while intoxicated.
On Friday night, four Monroe Central High School students and a recent graduate were injured badly when their car was struck by a vehicle near Woodsfield. The Ohio State Highway Patrol says the second vehicle was being driven by a man under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken to jail.
We join many other area residents, we are certain, in hoping and praying the five young people recover from their injuries swiftly.
With New Year's Eve on the horizon, it is likely many intoxicated drivers will be out on area highways. We encourage law enforcement agencies throughout the area to crack down hard on them, with a zero tolerance policy in force.