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 law enforcement working together through the end of the year to remind motorists of the dangers of drunk driving and to take drunk drivers off the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, December is a dangerous time for people on the roads. During the 2019-2023 December months, there were 4,931 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. The Wyandot County Safe Communities Coalition and local law enforcement urge Wyandot County drivers to plan for a sober ride home before heading out to holiday events and celebrations.
“Drunk driving is deadly and illegal and should never be an option for getting home,” Safe Communities Coordinator Callan McMillion said. “The holidays are a special time. We need Wyandot County’s help in making sure that our roadways are safe this holiday season.”
It is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. In addition to risk of injury and potential loss of life, drunk driving consequences may also include jail time, loss of a driver’s license and/or vehicles, up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, higher insurance rates, and lost wages. To support the Wyandot County Safe Communities Coalition in its mission to have its safest holiday season yet:
- Never drink and drive. Even after one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver, use a ride service, or call a sober friend to get home safely.
- Remember, alcohol is not the only substance that impairs driving abilities. Those who choose to celebrate with marijuana should also plan for a sober ride home. Prescription drugs may also lead to impairment, research necessary safety precautions before getting behind the wheel.
- Contact law enforcement to report drunk or impaired drivers on the roadways.
- Stop friends and family from driving impaired. Take the keys away and arrange a safe ride home.
For more traffic safety tips and information, follow @WyandotHealth on social media.
