Government warns against drunk driving

Lorain County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecutor’s Office remind residents of penalties before St. Patrick’s Day

With St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office and the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office are reminding people not to drink and drive. Unfortunately, too many people are taking to the roads after drinking alcohol making St. Patrick’s Day one of the most dangerous annual celebrations, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office. In fact, 59 people were killed in drunk driving crashes across the nation during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period - 6 p.m., March 16, to 5:59 a.m., March 18, 2017, the release said. The Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Ohio Traffic Safety Office to reach all drivers with an important life-saving message and warning: “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving,” the release said. Tragically, March 17 has become a dangerous holiday on our nation’s roads, according to the release. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said during the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, almost two-thirds, or 37 percent, of all motor vehicle crash fatalities involved drunk drivers, the release said. The early hours of March 18 didn’t fare much better, because between midnight and 5:59 a.m., nearly threefourths, or 75 percent, of all crash fatalities involved drunk drivers, the release said. From 2013-17, almost two-fifths, or 35 percent, of the drunk-driving fatalities during this holiday period involved drivers who had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) well above the .08 limit, with 234 drunkdriving fatalities total, according to the release said. “These needless deaths could have been prevented,” said Lorain County Sheriff’s Lt. Charles Motylewski. “Planning a sober ride home before the party begins is the first step in staying safe on St. Patrick’s Day. “Don’t wait until you’ve already been drinking to make your transportation decision. Designate your sober driver in advance, and never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Remember: ‘Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.’” If you plan to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day, follow these tips to stay safe: Decide whether you’ll drink or you’ll drive. You can’t do both. If you’re planning on driving, commit to staying sober. If you’ve been out drinking and then get behind the wheel, you run the risk of causing a crash or getting arrested for a DUI. If you have been drinking, call a taxi, a sober friend or family member or use public transportation. Also, try the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s SaferRide mobile app, available on Google Play for Android devices or Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices. It helps users to call a taxi or a friend for a ride home and identify their location so they can be picked up. Help those around you be responsible, too. Walking while intoxicated also can be deadly, as lack of attention could put you at risk of getting hit by a vehicle. If someone you know is drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel and help them find a sober ride home. If you see someone who appears to be driving drunk, call the police. Your actions could help save a life. Arrive Alive Program Similarly, the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office is launching a new program for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The Arrive Alive model already has proved effective in Summit County by offering transportation alternatives to keep impaired drivers off the roads, according to a news release. Between noon, March 16, and 3 a.m., March 17, the Prosecutor’s Office will offer free rides to residents within Lorain County - up to $60, the release said. The rides must begin and end in Lorain County. Residents can call 800461-9357 and receive a free cab ride home if they mention Arrive Alive or the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office, the release said. Alternatively, residents can download the Lyft ride sharing application on their smartphone and use the code LCPOUT to receive a free ride home.