Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

The Simpsonville Police Department wants to remind the public that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Use designated drivers when needed, drive Simply Sober and do not drink and drive. Keep the holiday Simply Safe by driving safely.

Simpsonville, S.C. — This holiday season, the Simpsonville Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind all drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. We’ll be working together to remind everyone of the importance of planning a sober ride home before heading out to enjoy holiday festivities and en route to seasonal travel destinations. Remember every day that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

“The holidays are a special time for every community, and it’s more important than ever for us to stress the importance of safe driving habits,” Simpsonville Police Chief Mike Hanshaw said. “We know everyone is rushing around, finishing those last-minute errands and attending various holiday parties, but before you head out, make sure you plan a sober ride home because driving drunk should never be an option. Help us spread the message: even one drink can be one drink too many. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”

According to NHTSA, more than 37,000 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017, and 29 percent of those fatalities happened in crashes during which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit of 0.08. In fact, 885 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver during the month of December 2017 alone. The holidays prove to be extra dangerous for drivers as more people, including both drivers and pedestrians, are out on the roads.

Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road: drug-impaired driving is an increasing problem for all genders. If drivers are impaired by any substance — alcohol or other drugs, they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. It is illegal in all states to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. Remember: driving while impaired is illegal. Period. The bottom line is this: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It’s that simple.

Drinking and driving should never be combined. It’s essential to plan a sober ride in advance if the holiday celebration includes alcohol. The alternative could change your life, not to mention the lives of your passengers, pedestrians or other nearby drivers and passengers.

This holiday season, the Simpsonville Police Department and NHTSA urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving.

Party with a Plan

First and foremost: plan ahead. Be honest with yourself. You know whether you’ll be drinking. If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to take you home. Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously because your friends are relying on you.

•          Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

•          If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Simpsonville Police Department at 864-967-9536.

•          Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and arrange to get your friend home safely.

For more information about the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov.