Holiday Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

November 23, 2011

Richland County, Ohio — There will be many reasons to be merry this holiday season. Making sure that your loved ones enjoy themselves responsibly is one of the most reliable ways to guarantee their safety. That is why the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition would like everyone to embrace the spirit of driving sober this season.  

“The message is simple, drinking alcohol and driving do not mix.  If you plan to consume alcohol, you should plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle,” said Reed Richmond, Health Educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and a Safe Communities Coalition spokesperson.

Unfortunately, millions of drivers on America’s highways continue to make deadly decisions by driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle while intoxicated, which jeopardizes their safety and the safety of others on our roads.

 “We know that the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to drunk driving,” Richmond said. “Taking a risk on having your 2011 end in an arrest or death is just not worth it.”

According to Ohio Department of Public Safety crash statistics, in Ohio last year 431 people were killed in 393 alcohol-related crashes with 41 of those deaths occurring between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

Nationally, during December 2009, there were 753 people killed in crashes that involved drivers or motorcycle riders with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 grams per deciliter or higher (the nation’s legal limit).

The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition recommends these simple tips for a safe holiday season:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement (Call 1-800-STOP-DUI);
• And remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with a driver who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

For more information, and to find out how you can promote safe driving, please visit the interactive site www.holidaybuzzed.com where you’ll find information, posters, and even a game to play.

###

‘Tis the Season to Drive Sober

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

• During the holiday season, many adults celebrate and enjoy themselves with a couple of drinks, but even one too many drinks increases their chances of crashing while driving  motor vehicles.  
• That is why the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition wants everyone to put safety before the party this holiday season by assigning a sober designated driver to get them home.
• During December 2009, there were 753 people killed in crashes that involved drivers or motorcycle riders with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.
• Unfortunately, millions of drivers still jeopardize their safety and the safety of others on our roads, by driving under the influence of alcohol.

Not Worth the Risk

• Sacrificing your life and the life of others by driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle after a few drinks can result in tragedy for you and your loved ones.
•  Having your driving privileges taken from you will certainly put a damper on your holiday season.
•  Drunk driving offenders receive plenty of unwanted gifts like:

1. Attorney fees,
2. Court costs,
3. Car repairs,
4. Lost time at work, and
5. Higher insurance rates

Holiday Safety Tips to Prevent a Drunk Driving Misfortune

•  Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement; and
• And remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you know people who are about to drive or ride with someone who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

For more information, please visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.

We are now available on Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the logos at the bottom of this page. You can also select the RSS feed if you have a "Reader" account. In addition, we also have a mobile site for your smartphone. Find us on Facebook at Richland Health Department and on Twitter @RichlandHealth1.