Safe Communities of Pickaway County
Celebrate Safe this Fourth of July and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”
A favorite Holiday during the summer months is the Fourth of July. It is also one of the most deadly holidays due to impaired driving. Safe Communities of Pickaway County is reminding everyone who wants to participate in area events, or parties/picnics with family and friends, that “Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving”.
Local Law Enforcement will be out in force to make sure that everyone knows that it is important to “Driver Sober or (you will) Get Pulled Over”. The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office will have extra patrols out thanks to their HVEO or High Visibility Enforcement Grant. The grant provides funds to extra patrols during those times of year noted to increase the potential for motor vehicle crashes and fatalities.
“It is my recommendation that everyone simply plan ahead when attending any event where alcohol is being consumed”, noted Sheriff Robert Radcliff. “By designating a driver, you can avoid the cost of this decision, and help to keep our roadways safe.”
The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays during the year. During the last five years (2007-2011), 780 people lost their lives nationwide during the Fourth of July Holiday that involved a driver that had a blood alcohol level that was .08 or higher. This number accounts for 40 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities during the same five year period.
Teresa Carper, Director for Safe Communities of Pickaway County, suggests that event and party-goers plan to designate a driver or call a sober driver if alcohol is consumed. Also, she suggests that those who are hosting the party make the designated driver(s) feel a part of the celebration by providing special non-alcoholic drinks.
“There are many recipes for special non-alcoholic drinks that allow the host to make it easy for drivers or designated drivers to feel a part of the celebration while staying sober”, noted Carper. “Some hosts will even give special attention to those who are designated as the sober driver by giving them a special front row seat to the fireworks display. Part of being a great host is making sure your guests are around to tell everyone just how great your party was during this Fourth of July.”
For more information on the importance of driving sober, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at www.nhtsa.gov . Also, please remember to “Buckle Up Every Trip Every Time” this Fourth of July, and note that safe speed limits will also lend to safe travel to and from your destination.
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