News Release
For Immediate Release: December 14, 2009
Contact Person: Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, 301-334-7730
December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving
Prevention Month
Article by: Sandy Sutton
During the upcoming holiday season and throughout 2010, the Garrett County Drug Free Community Coalition encourages you to become involved in your family, friends, and co-workers' driving habits. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, which is sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Impaired Driving is No Accident. Impaired driving incidents are “crashes,” predictable and preventable with your help!
During December, Garrett County residents should consider what he or she can personally do to stop impaired driving as well as what can be done by communities to make streets and highways safe from impaired drivers.
Those who drink and drive after holiday festivities make the period between Thanksgiving and the New Year one of the year's most deadly and dangerous seasons because of alcohol-related crashes. But much of the danger could be prevented if drivers follow five simple precautions:
- Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before the holiday celebration begins;
- Or instead, just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober;
- Don't even think about getting behind the wheel of your vehicle if you've been drinking;
- Remember – Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired; and
- If you are hosting a party this holiday season, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver; always offer alcohol-free beverages during the event; and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
For more information about National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention month, contact the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.