This New Year’s Holiday Season, the Sandersville Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to remind all drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. Before traveling to New Year’s holiday festivities or seasonal vacations, make sure to plan for a sober ride home if one enjoys an alcoholic beverage. This New Year’s holiday season, and every day, remember: “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”
“It’s critical that drivers understand the significance of sober driving, and the tragic consequences of driving drunk. With more drivers on the roads during this busy time of year, it is more important than ever for us to stress the importance of safe driving habits,” said Captain Kelly Collins of the Sandersville Police Department. “We know everyone is rushing around, finishing those last-minute errands, and attending holiday gatherings. Before you ever head out to the festivities, make sure to plan a sober ride home, because driving drunk should never be an option.”
According to the Georgia’s Department of Public Safety, traffic crashes across Georgia during the 78 hours 2021 New Year’s holiday travel period (6:00 P.M. on December 31 to 11:59 P.M. on January 3) resulted in 474 crashes with 13 traffic deaths and 181 injuries. 372 people were arrested for driving under the influence. This is why Sandersville Police are working with the NHTSA and Georgia’s GOHS to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal but a matter of life and death.
“If one holds the role of designated driver, they should make sure keep their promise of safety. Designated drivers need to remain hydrated with water and other non-alcoholic beverages and support other designated drivers,” said Captain Collins. “It can be a long night, but passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers are depending on the designated drivers.”
Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, except in Utah, where the limit is .05 g/dL. The cost of driving under the influence is financially hurtful. If one is caught drinking and driving, they could face jail time, lose their driver’s license and vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, higher insurance rates, and lost wages.
Before ever heading out, it is vital to plan ahead. Follow these ideas to ensure the safety of everyone:
– Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even after only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home.
– If one sees a drunk driver on the road, contact the Sandersville Police Department’s Dispatch at 552-3038.
– Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take away their keys and make arrangements to get them safely home .