Drunk Driving Will Land You On The Naughty List

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office reminds you to be safe and use a Designated Driver when you go out this Holiday Season.

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and other allied agencies will be conducting “Operation Santa’s Sleigh”, a countywide Impaired Driving Enforcement Initiative to keep drunk and drugged drivers off the road.

After hearing about the dangers of drinking and driving time after time, most people have gotten the message that if they’re planning on drinking, they should always plan a safe way home,” said Sheriff Mike Lewis.  “But sadly, millions of Americans still think they are invincible and regularly choose to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.”

 Sheriff Lewis said 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,” said Sheriff Lewis. “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!”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 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 Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office 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, 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, 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 www.StopImpairedDriving.org