The holiday season is upon us.
As we prepare for the festivities with family and friends, the Kitsap County “Target Zero” Task Force wants to remind drivers of the danger to drive after drinking.
Individuals have to choose their role before the drinking begins: “Will you drink or will you drive?”
Even if a person only have a little bit to drink and believe that they’re “okay to drive,” they could still be putting other drivers and passengers at risk.
Undersheriff Gary Simpson from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office explained,
“A lot of folks think they know their own limits. They think that if they’re just a little ‘buzzed,’ they’re still good to drive,” said Undersheriff Gary Simpson from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.
But according to the 30-year veteran of KCSO, this couldn’t
be further from the truth.
“Time and again, drivers who may have only had a couple of drinks put themselves and others at serious risk,” he added. “Driving with any alcohol in your system can be dangerous.”
In every state in the country, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. And for some people, impairment can come at a much lower level.
“We really want all Kitsap drivers to understand that you don’t have to be falling-down drunk to be too impaired to drive,” said the undersheriff. “That’s why our local law enforcement agencies are working together to spread the message, ‘If you’re going to drink, don’t drive; if you’re going to drive, don’t drink.’”
Impaired driving has become a terrible killer on our nation’s roads. Every year, more than 10,000 people are killed in impaired driving crashes. This time of year is especially dangerous due to holiday celebrations and frequent parties. This year in Kitsap County, 14 people have been killed on our roadways in vehicle crashes.
“One life lost is one too many. Do your part to keep us all safe,” Simpson added.
By following a few tips, everyone can enjoy the spirit of the season:
• Make a plan before you go out — if you’re going to drink, don’t drive; if you’re going to drive, don’t drink.
• Make sure you eat. During the holidays, this should be easy. You are more likely to become impaired if you drink on an empty stomach.
• Don’t be afraid to intervene if someone attempts to drive after drinking. Call a cab or take their keys. If you think it’s none of your business, think again! You may be saving a life.
At this time of the year, there are increased DUI patrols on the lookout for impaired drivers. These patrols are funded through a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety commission (WTSC). It is the hope of WTSC and the Kitsap County “Target Zero” Task Force, to reduce the number of traffic fatalities to zero by the year 2030.
This is a huge goal, but it is a goal we must have. The only acceptable number is zero; one fatality is one too many.
Please be responsible and do your part:
• Never drink and drive.
• Don’t drive distracted – put down the cell phone.
• Slow down.
• Wear your seatbelt.
• Whether walking or driving, please pay attention to the road.
For more information, please visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.
