December 20 – The holidays are a wonderful time of year when we celebrate with family and loved ones. Unfortunately, the joyous celebrations can end in disaster when families loved ones are killed in an alcohol-impaired vehicle crash.
The Kerrville Police Department is joining with highway safety partners and law enforcement organizations across the state this December to remind people that during the holidays and throughout the year, drinking alcohol and driving do not mix and that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.
“Drinking alcohol and driving is never a good combination and not worth the risk,” said Chief John Young. “Driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle while intoxicated jeopardizes your safety and the safety of others on our roads. If you are going to drink, plan another way home before the celebration begins, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32, 885 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes during 2010 and 31 % (10,228) of those fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
The holiday season is particularly dangerous. During December 2010, 2,597 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, and 775 of those were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers.
“This tragic loss of life can be reduced if we get impaired drivers off our roadways,” said Chief John Young. “That’s why we are working diligently to remind everyone to never drink alcohol and drive.”
This holiday season, the Kerrville Police Department is encouraging people to take three simple steps to ensure their holiday celebrations don’t end in tragedy.
1. Plan ahead; be sure to designate a sober driver before the party begins.
2. If you will be drinking alcohol, do not plan on driving.
3. Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, don’t let that person get behind the wheel.
The holiday should be a time for celebration, not tragedy. Please help us make Kerrville’s roadways safe by never driving after drinking. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, so never drink and drive.