The Miami Township Police Department, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wants to remind drivers that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. The police department will have extra patrols working to reduce traffic crashes and get drunk drivers off the road during the Independence Day holiday, July 2 – 5, 2022.
“If you are under the influence of alcohol and choose to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you put everyone on the road in danger,” Officer William Olinger, Miami Township Police Department, said. “Plan ahead for a safe weekend of celebrations and designate a sober driver to get anyone who has had too much to drink home safely.”
According to the NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. That is a 14% increase from 2019. With Fourth of July festivities often wrapping up late, more cars will be on the roads at night. In 2020, 493 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday period, July 2 at 6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. July 6. 201 of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a safety plan in place:
- It is never okay to drink and drive. Plan for a safe ride home in advance.
- Even if you have only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- If you are hosting a party where there’s alcohol, offer non-alcoholic beverage options.
- Is your friend or family member about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely.
- Always wear your seatbelt. It is your best defense against drunk drivers.
- If you suspect a drunk driver, call dispatchers at (937) 225-HELP (4357) or dial 911.
Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Commit to driving 100% sober. For more information about impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2022
Contact: Ofc. William Olinger, Miami Township Police Department || (937) 433-2301