National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
DON’T Rely
on Luck
DESIGNATE A SOBER DRIVER
March 2018
Sacramento,
California
While the public makes plans to celebrate St.
Patricks Day, the California Highway
Patrol (CHP) is preparing to keep the roadways free of impaired drivers so
that everyone can safely enjoy the festivities.
Last year on St. Patricks Day, the CHP made 148 arrests statewide for driving under
the influence (DUI). Tragically, that same day, three (3) people were killed and 66 people were injured statewide
as a result of DUI collisions.
“Don’t let a day of celebration turn into a day
of tragedy. If you drive impaired, you risk your life and the lives of others
on the road,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “Plan ahead before the
party begins by designating a sober driver or making arrangements for a taxi or
ride-hailing service.”
The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports 29 people in the United
States died in alcohol-related vehicle collisions every day in 2016 — or one
person every 50 minutes.
In 2016 alone, 60 people were killed in
drunk-driving collisions during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period. The CHP
joins with the NHTSA in reminding motorists that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.
California
Highway Patrol recommends these steps to avoid impaired driving:
-
Plan ahead. Designate a
sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before you go out to
drink.
-
If you are hosting a
party, serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages. Stop serving alcohol a
few hours before the end of the party.
-
If you see a friend who
is too drunk to drive, take their keys and call them a cab or ride-share, or
give them a ride home.
-
If you see a suspected
impaired driver, call 9-1-1. Your phone call may save someone’s life.
The mission of the California Highway Patrol
is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service,
and Security.