The Miami Township Police Department, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wants to remind drivers to Play It Safe this Fourth of July holiday. Remember that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. The police department will have extra patrols working to reduce traffic crashes and get drunk drivers off the road, July 1 – 5, 2023.
“If you are under the influence of alcohol and choose to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you put everyone on the road in danger,” Sgt. James McCarty, Miami Township Police Department, said. “Plan ahead for a safe celebration and designate a sober driver to get anyone who has had too much to drink home safely.”
According to the NHTSA, approximately 37 people in the United States die every day in drunk-driving crashes, one every 39 minutes. In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-related crashes, a 14% increase from 2020. All these deaths were preventable.
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a safety plan in place:
- It is never okay to drink and drive. Plan for a safe ride home in advance.
- Even if you have only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- If you are hosting a party where there’s alcohol, offer non-alcoholic beverage options.
- Is your friend or family member about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely.
- Always wear your seatbelt. It is your best defense against drunk drivers.
- If you suspect a drunk driver, call dispatchers at (937) 296-2558 or dial 911.
Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Commit to driving 100% sober. For more information about impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/buzzed-driving.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 27, 2023
Contact: Jill Drury, Communications Manager, Miami Township
(937) 433-9969