The end of summer is traditionally marked by the Labor Day holiday, a time for our country to reflect on the hard work of our fellow Americans. The long weekend is typically celebrated through picnics, pool parties, and barbecues, as families and friends enjoy the last few days of summer before fall and winter approach. Sadly, the Labor Day holiday is also one of the deadliest, with drunk drivers endangering themselves and others on America’s roadways.
This year, members of Warren County Safe Communities Coalition are partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to stop drunk drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs from today, August 16, through September 4. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased state and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with enforcement and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our roadways.
Local motorists can help prevent drunk driving by taking the following steps, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Being a responsible driver is simple; if you are drinking, plan not to drive
- Before drinking, choose a sober friend as a designated driver
- Don’t let your friends drive impaired. Take their keys, take them home, or help arrange a sober ride
- If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi or ride service, phone a sober friend or family member, download safe driving mobile applications such as SaferRide, or use public transportation
- Always wear a seat belt— it’s the best defense against impaired drivers
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement. Call Ohio State Highway Patrol at #677
“Help us stress the dangers of driving impaired to our community by sharing these sober driving tips with your friends and family,” said Ann Brock, coordinator for Warren County Safe Communities Coalition and trauma outreach coordinator for Atrium Medical Center’s Level III Trauma Center. “Drunk driving is a massive problem in the United States, with more than 10,000 people dying annually. If you’re out on the roads and see someone driving drunk, please call your local law enforcement, or Ohio State Highway Patrol. You could help save a life.”
Warren County Safe Communities Coalition members include Atrium Medical Center, Warren County law enforcement agencies, local government agencies, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Warren County Career Center. The coalition focuses on motor vehicle and traffic safety awareness initiatives throughout the year. Follow Warren County Safe Communities Coalition on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Warren-County-Safe-Communities-602341016599781/.
Atrium Medical Center is a full-service hospital and Level III Trauma Center located conveniently along the Interstate 75 corridor at exit 32, One Medical Center Drive in Middletown, between Cincinnati and Dayton. Atrium maintains full accreditation as Warren County’s only Level III Trauma Center and serves Butler County, providing rapid assessment, resuscitation, initiation of appropriate treatment and ongoing care for all forms of traumatic injury.
The end of summer is traditionally marked by the Labor Day holiday, a time for our country to reflect on the hard work of our fellow Americans. The long weekend is typically celebrated through picnics, pool parties, and barbecues, as families and friends enjoy the last few days of summer before fall and winter approach. Sadly, the Labor Day holiday is also one of the deadliest, with drunk drivers endangering themselves and others on America’s roadways.
