NHTSA and Somerset Public Health remind community: Buzzed driving is drunk driving

SKOWHEGAN — This holiday season, Somerset Public Health is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. Before traveling to holiday festivities or seasonal vacations, make sure you plan for a sober ride home before enjoying an alcoholic beverage. This holiday season, and every day, remember: Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
“It’s critical that drivers understand the significance of sober driving, and the tragic consequences of driving drunk,” said Matt L’Italien, director of Somerset Public Health. “With more drivers on the roads during this busy time of year, it’s more important than ever for us to stress the importance of safe driving habits. We know everyone is rushing around, finishing those last-minute errands and attending holiday gatherings. Before you ever head out to the festivities, make sure you plan a sober ride home, because driving drunk should never be an option. Help us spread the message: Even one drink is one drink too many if you’re the driver. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.”
CELEBRATE WITH A PLAN
Before heading out, it’s vital to plan ahead. Be honest with yourself, you know if you’ll be drinking. Follow these ideas to ensure you and your fellow partygoers stay safe.
• Remember that it is never OK to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
For more information about the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign, visit nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.