Give Your Loved Ones the Gift of Safety - Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

There will be many reasons to be merry this holiday season. And making sure that your loved ones enjoy themselves responsibly is one of the most reliable ways to guarantee their safety. That is why The SAFE 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.

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.

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

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 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 and leave your car keys at home;
 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, 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, please visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov. You may also contact the Van Buren SAFE Coalition at 319-293-6412 or at info@vbsafecoalition.com. The coalition also has resources and information available on the coalition’s website at www.vbsafecoalition.com; on it’s blog at http://vbsafecoalition.blogspot.com; or on it’s face book page at Van Buren County SAFE Coalition.