Remember: buzzed driving is drunk driving, even on Halloween

Greene County Public Health officials want to spread the message that buzzed driving is drunk driving and to remind everyone of the dangers of drunk driving, according to a release.

“If you know you’re going to go out and party on Halloween night, make sure you have a sober driver designated to get you home safely,” said Jillian Drew, Greene County Public Health’s Safe Communities Coordinator. “Even one drink can impair judgement. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the selfish choice to drink and drive. For most, even one drink can be one too many. Remember: buzzed driving is drunk driving.”

On Halloween night between 2012 and 2016, 168 drunk driving fatalities occurred, 44 percent of people killed in motor vehicle crashes involved a drunk driver, and 14 percent of pedestrian fatalities involved drunk drivers, read the release.

“It’s our hope that our community members are able to safely and responsibly enjoy the Halloween holiday,” said Xenia Post Commander Lt. Matt Schmenk. “In today’s world, there are many options available to drivers to help them get home safely if they have been drinking. We expect drivers to refrain from driving after drinking entirely. It is the law.”

If you plan to go out on Halloween night, follow these tips to stay safe:

  • Don't drink and drive, even if you've had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver, plan to use public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home safely
  • Download NHTSA's SaferRide mobile app, which allows users to call a taxi or predetermine friend and identifies the user's location so he/she can be picked up
  • Dial #677 on your cell phone if you see a drink driver on the road
  • If you have a friend who's about to drink and drive, take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely

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