On Halloween, and every day, “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving”
Monterey Park, Calif. October 31, 2016 This Halloween, the Monterey Park Police Department is reminding Halloween partyers that “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.” If your Halloween party involves alcohol then you have to make a plan to get home without getting behind the wheel.
The Monterey Park Police Department wants to remind our community to designate a driver this Halloween if your plans involve alcohol. Law enforcement will be out looking for the tale-tell signs of drunk driving in order to stop and arrest impaired drivers through Halloween night, Monday, October 31.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 43 percent of all motor vehicle crashes involved drunk driving on Halloween night from 2009 to 2013. Over that same period, 119 people were killed by drunk driving. Children out trick-or-treating and the parents accompanying them are also at risk as 19 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes on Halloween night (2009-2013) involved drunk drivers.
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes. Everyone should be mindful that when taking medication – whether prescription, over-the-counter or marijuana – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.
Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that features free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.
The cost of a ride home is cheap! Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
“Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving,” so follow these simple tips to stay safe:
• Plan a safe way to get home before you attend the party. Alcohol impairs judgment, as well as reaction time. If you’re drunk you’re more likely to drive drunk.
• Designate a sober driver or take public transportation, a car service, or a call a sober friend of family member to get home.
• Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
• If you see someone you think is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.
Funding for DUI operations is provided to the Monterey Park Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to “Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.”
Media Contact
Sergeant Brent Archibald, Monterey Park Police Department
barchibald@montereypark.ca.gov
626-307-1481
www.MontereyPark.ca.gov