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Published: December 8, 2017

BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

If you’re enjoying upcoming holidays with a drink, remember that even one drink can impair your driving.  Wyandot County Law Enforcement has a message for you: BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING:  DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER.  In an effort to keep roadways safe for everyone, due to the increase in drunk-driving-related accidents and fatalities around holidays, law enforcement agencies across America will be actively searching for, and arresting, drunk drivers during winter holiday weekends.

“It’s time for all drivers to get the message,” said Wyandot County Sheriff Mike Hetzel. “Drunk driving is a choice you make, and when you make that choice, people get hurt or die. That’s why we’re joining with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind everyone that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.”

"The safest way to get home", Sheriff Hetzel said, "is to drive sober or catch a ride with a sober designated driver. If you plan on drinking at any time when you are away from home, hand the keys over to someone else – a sober someone else."

Some people think that if they get pulled over for driving drunk, or a little "buzzed", they can just refuse a breath test to avoid the DUI charge. “Not true,” said Sheriff Hetzel. “In most jurisdictions, refusing a breath test means an automatic arrest, and the loss of your driver’s license on the spot.”  The only way to truly avoid a DUI is to drive sober or designate a sober driver ahead of time. Sheriff Hetzel added that there are other options, such as calling a friend or family member.  The ‘inconvenience’ of not driving your own car home is nothing compared to the inconvenience of spending time behind bars.

In addition to reminding all drivers to drive sober, Sheriff Hetzel is calling on everyone to be alert. If you suspect a buzzed or drunk driver on the road, call 911 right away. If someone you know is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and help them get home safely. “We’ve got to work together to make our roads safer year-round,” he said.

“We can’t stand to see this tragic loss of life again and again,” added Sheriff Hetzel. “The hardest part of the job is making that house call and telling a family that their loved one is gone because someone chose to drink and drive.  Please find a safe and sober ride home.”

Wyandot County drivers, please follow these tips to keep all your holidays and special events safe and happy:

  • Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk—or worse; the risk of having a crash.
  • If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins.
  • If you have been drinking, do not drive. Phone a sober friend or family member, or plan on spending the night at a friend’s house.

Remember, driving after drinking should never be an option.  BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING:  DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER

Wyandot County Public Health is nationally accredited through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Established in 2007, PHAB is the non-profit organization that administers the national accreditation program, which aims to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation.