UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio — It’s hard to have a happy holiday behind bars for drunk driving. The Wyandot County Safe Communities coalition is reminding county residents to keep the season merry and bright by refusing to drink and drive. Drivers will see officers working together through Jan. 1, 2024, to spread the message of the dangers of drunk driving and taking drunk drivers off the roads.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, December is a dangerous time for people on the roads. During the 2017-2021 December months, there were more than 4,500 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. More parties and festivities celebrating the season brings out more drunk drivers. The Wyandot County Safe Communities Coalition and local law enforcement urges drivers to make a plan before heading out to a celebration.
“It’s so important that drivers act responsibly, and that includes refraining from impaired driving,” Safe Communities Coordinator Callan Pugh said. “The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want our community members to enjoy this season. We need commitment from drivers that they’ll keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday.”
It is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. Beyond the cost of life, drunk driving costs can be financial, too: Those who are caught drinking and driving may face jail time, lose their driver’s licenses and vehicles, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, higher insurance rates, and lost wages. To help Wyandot County have its safest holiday season yet:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even after one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver, plan to use a ride service, call a taxi or a sober friend to get home safely.
- Contact law enforcement to report drunk drivers on the roadways.
- Stop friends from drinking and driving. Take their keys away and arrange a safe ride home.
For more traffic safety tips and information, follow @WyandotHealth on a favorite social media site, or visit WyandotHealth.com.
