HALLOWEEN PLANNER NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:October 20, 2014

CONTACT: Gayle Waters, Pocomoke City Police, 410 957-1600, PocomokePD@comcast.net

Trick-or-Treat? Drink-or-Drive?

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

Pocomoke City, MD; Halloween is quickly approaching, which for many people means celebrating with alcohol. As you carve your pumpkin or pick out a costume this year, keep in mind that one of the best choices you can make is to drive sober or designate a sober driver to get you home safely. Chief Kelvin Sewell and members of the Pocomoke City Police Department is reminding all drivers that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving because every Halloween there are still some people who think they can drive after drinking.    

 “We want people to remember: like ‘Trick-or-Treat;’ ‘Drink-or-Drive.’ One or the other, but never both,” said Gayle Waters. Before you take your first sip of alcohol on October 31, figure out who your designated sober driver will be.  If you wait until you’re ‘buzzed’ to make a decision, you may decide to drive. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, which means that driving “buzzed” brings very serious consequences. In 2012 alone, there were 10,322 people killed in drunk–driving crashes. Those were preventable deaths that happened when drunk drivers failed to plan ahead.  

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Halloween is a statistically dangerous night for drunk driving. In 2012, almost half (48%) of all crash fatalities that night involved a drunk driver.

 Chief Kelvin Sewell recommends these simple tips for a safe Halloween:        

·         Before the Halloween festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.

·         Always designate a sober driver.

·         If you are drunk, take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.

·         Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.  Designate a sober friend to walk you home.

·         If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement, it’s your responsibility.

·         If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take their keys and help them make safe travel arrangements to where they are going.