Driving sober not just a holiday deal

Driving sober not just a holiday deal

In 2015, there were 531 lives lost on Arkansas roadways. In 28 percent of those crashes, alcohol was a factor.

The risk of sharing the road with a drunk driver is even higher on holidays like New Year’s, because of parties and get-togethers. In fact, New Year’s Day is the most dangerous day of the year for drunk driving on our nation’s roadways.

This year, state and local law enforcement officers were on the scene, increasing their patrol activity aimed at impaired drivers. Arkansas State Troopers, along with city and county agencies, joined in the national “Drive Sober of Get Pulled Over” enforcement mobilization. The special enforcement operation ran through Sunday, Jan. 1, and will return for many major holidays this year.

The General Assembly continues to look at ways to reduce drunk driving. Arkansas has seen a significant reduction in drunk driving fatalities since 2009. That year legislation was passed which requires a 6 month driver’s license suspension for first time offenders unless a vehicle interlock device is installed in the offender’s car.

Unfortunately, the toughest penalties on the books do not deter some people during the holiday season. So, as we enter a new year, please remember to put safety before the party by assigning a sober designated driver to get everyone home.

Drunk driving crashes are 100 percent preventable. Do your part in 2017 by choosing not to drive impaired, and do your part to help others do the same.

Make sure to always plan ahead for a safe way home, especially if your plans involve alcohol. Even one too many drinks increases the risk of a crash — it’s just not worth it. If you’ve been drinking use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.

If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Your actions may save someone’s life.

Just because you made the right decision to drive sober, others on the road may not have. Always buckle up, drive with caution, and don’t hesitate to call 911 to report a suspected drunk driver. It is your business. Getting drunk drivers off the roads saves lives.

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson