Category Archives: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Press Releases, RecWell, Safe Communities

Super Bowl Sunday is approaching and fans are starting to gear up for the February 7 game of the Broncos vs. the Panthers. Safe Communities of Wood County reminds all community members that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

Below are MVP tips that help get you and your fellow fans home safely on Super Bowl Sunday.

Hosting a Party

  • Make sure all of your guests have designated a sober driver in advance.
  • If intoxicated, help arrange an alternative way home, or have guests stay the night.
  • Serve food and have plenty non-alcoholic beverage at your party.
  • Stop serving alcohol at the end of the 3rd quarter of the game.
  • Keep the numbers of the local cab companies on hand in case guests need to get home.
  • Take keys away from guests that have had too much to drink.

Attending a Party or Going to a Bar

  • Designate a sober MVP to drive you home after the party.
  • If you don’t have a designated driver, make plans to have a friend or family member pick you up, call a cab, or stay the night.
  • Eat before and during the party.
  • Never let friends drive that have had too much to drink.
  • Always buckle up! It’s your best defense while in a car.

Use these MVP fan tips to help enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday and get home safely because Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk!

For More Information:

  • Jerrod Savidge, 419-352-2481
  • Safe Communities Coordinator, Sandy Wiechman
    419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Press Releases, RecWell, Safe Communities

Wood County Safe Communities announced today that there have been 20 fatal crashes in Wood County to date. This is 9 more crashes than last year at this time.

If you plan on celebrating with alcohol this holiday season, plan on a sober driver. Even if you’ve had just a little bit to drink, you can still get a DUI and be involved in a crash. Too many people wait until they’ve been drinking to figure out their ride home. By then, it’s too late to make a clear-headed decision. You might think you’re just “buzzed” and that you’re “okay to drive,” but remember this: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

If you’re buzzed, you should not be behind the wheel. It can cost you—possibly your life.

Planning ahead is the key to avoiding a DUI or a deadly drunk driving crash. You make plans to attend parties, go to bars or sporting events, or gather with family and friends, so why not plan how to stay alive and out of jail? A sober driver is an essential part of any plan that includes drinking. Law enforcement actively looks for drunk drivers, especially around the holidays. Are you willing to risk a DUI or a fatal crash for the “convenience” of driving yourself home after drinking?

For More Information:

  • Jerrod Savidge, 419-352-2481
  • Safe Communities Coordinator, Sandy Wiechman
    419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu

Halloween Traffic Safety Mobilization

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Press Releases, RecWell, Safe Communities, WellAware, Wellness Connection

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

Safe Communities Press Release

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Press Releases, Safe Communities

June 30, 3015

The Fourth of July is one of America’s favorite holidays. And why not? Families and friends gather to celebrate our country with food, parades, parties, picnics, and fireworks. Yet, there is a dark side to this national holiday. If the celebration includes alcohol, a family or neighborhood gathering can quickly go from festive to fatal if choosing to drive after drinking. Statistics for Wood County for past Fourth of July holidays show an increase in alcohol related crashes. In 2013 there were 11 crashes over the 2 day holiday period with 2 injuries, luckily with NO alcohol related crashes. In 2014, 7% of the total 18 crashes during the 4 day period were alcohol related, with 3 reported injuries.

This Fourth of July, show your patriotism by helping to make Wood County roads safer for everyone. Remember to always have alternate transportation arranged if alcohol consumption is part of your holiday plan. Call a friend, a family member, or a cab.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. It’s as simple as that.

For More Information:

  • Lt. Jerrod Savidge | 419-352-2481
  • Sandy Wiechman | Safe Communities Coordinator
    419-372-9353 – swiechm@bgsu.edu