Monday, November 29, 2010

A Little Holiday Cheer Can Go a Long Way On Our Roads This Holiday Season Remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

As party-goers celebrate the holidays with friends and family, Van Buren County SAFE Coalition reminds everyone to keep the party off the road. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

After hearing about the dangers of drinking and driving time after time, most people have gotten the message if they’re planning on drinking they should always plan a safe way home. But sadly, millions of Americans still think they are invincible and regularly choose to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks.

Parents should take note that young males were at particularly high risk, with nearly one-quarter admitting to riding with someone who should not have been behind the wheel in the past year.

We know that the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in drunk driving. Don’t let your 2010 end in an arrest or worse death. Remember, whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk!

During the month of December 2009, 753 people were killed in crashes that involved a driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

The SAFE 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;
 If you’re impaired call a sober friend or family
member;
 If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to
contact your local law enforcement;
 And remember, Friends Don’t Let
Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is 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 http://www.stopimpaireddriving.com

If you would like additional local assistance you may contact the SAFE Coalition at info@vbsafecoalition.com , by phone at 319-293-6412 or online at www.vbsafecoalition.com.

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