Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

December 7, 2011

Richland County, Ohio — As you celebrate the holiday season enjoying traditions, food, family and fun, be reminded that all Richland County law enforcement agencies will be out in force this holiday season from December 16, 2011, to January 2, 2012, to arrest anyone caught driving drunk behind the wheel.

“The message is simple, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.  Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix.  If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle,” said Lt. Michael Vinson, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mansfield post commander.

Unfortunately millions of drivers on America’s highways still think they are invincible, and they choose to jeopardize their safety and the safety of others on our roads, he said.

“There will be no spreading holiday cheer behind the bars of a jail cell,” Vinson said. “Don’t let your 2011 holiday season end in an arrest or worse, death.  Whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk.”

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

In Richland County in 2010 there were 409 arrests for operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI). There were 167 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 88 injuries and three deaths. 

 The Ohio State Highway Patrol 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 hom
• 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;
• And remember, Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take that person’s keys and help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.

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

TALKING POINTS 

Drinking and Driving This Holiday Season Could Lead to a Gift of Time Behind Bars

• Alcohol-impaired driving is a deadly crime that is especially common among young males 21 to 34 years old.
• During the holiday season, many adults celebrate and enjoy themselves with a couple of drinks, but even one too many increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle.  
• That’s why Richland County law enforcement agencies will be out in force from December 16, 2011, to January 2, 2012, apprehending all drunk drivers and spreading the message to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
• According to the 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.
• In Richland County in 2010 there were 409 arrests for operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI). There were 167 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 88 injuries and three deaths.

Know the Cost

• Not only do you risk killing or injuring yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant.
• Drunk driving violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver licenses, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost wages due to time off from work.
• Don’t let your 2011 end with an arrest.  Plan before you go out, and remember, whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s just not worth the risk.
• Refusing to take a sobriety test in many jurisdictions may result in the loss of your license on the spot and enhanced penalties, not to mention that having to inform family, friends, and your employer that you lost your license will add to your embarrassment and humiliation.

Safety Tips to Prevent a Dunk Driving Crash

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave the 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 or 1-800-STOP-DUI;
• And remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.  If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

For more information, please visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov

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