Safe Communities of Wood County announced today that the annual safe driving Halloween National Mobilization is October 25-November 1, 2015.
Halloween means parties, and parties can encourage alcohol consumption. Because of this, Safe Communities of Wood County is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for The Halloween National Mobilization. “Drinking and driving is deadly, it is illegal, and it will get you pulled over and arrested this Halloween,” said Safe Communities Coordinator, Sandy Wiechman. “If you want to stay safe and out of jail this Halloween, make a plan to get home without driving if you’ve been drinking. Planning for a safe ride home needs to be part of everyone’s Halloween party preparations.” Safe Communities of Wood County recommends that residents follow these tips to help ensure their own safety, and the safety of others this Halloween:
* Designate a sober driver, take public transportation, a car service, or a call a sober friend of family member to get you home if you’ve been drinking.
* If you see someone you think is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.
Besides the dangers of driving under the influence, drunk driving is a crime. Offenders can face jail time, the loss of a driver’s license, and pay around $10,000 due to higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost wages due to time off work.
Halloween is a fun event that encompasses the entire county, and drunk driving effects not only other drivers, but pedestrians as well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reports that October 31 is traditionally one of the most dangerous nights of the year, because of the deadly combination of alcohol and increased pedestrian traffic. In Wood County last year, there were no crashes involving pedestrians on Halloween. This trend is something Safe Communities of Wood County would like to replicate. Do your part this Halloween by not driving impaired and, as a driver or pedestrian, remain alert for drunk drivers and report any suspicious behavior to local law enforcement.
Always remember to drive sober or get pulled over!
For More Information:
Lt. Jerrod Savidge, 419-352-2481
Safe Communities Coordinator, Sandy Wiechman
419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu