STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Team Kentucky leaders are using St. Patrick’s Day celebrations as a reminder that buzzed driving is drunk driving and that planning ahead can save lives.
Anyone who plans to drink during the holiday should arrange a sober ride or designated driver before heading out, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray said in a statement that Kentuckians have a responsibility to protect themselves and others.
“This St. Patrick’s Day, we ask that everyone does their part to make sure you are keeping yourself and your fellow Kentuckians safe,” Gray said. “If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to get home safely.”
To reinforce that message, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in promoting the national Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign. The effort focuses on preventing impaired driving before it starts, particularly around holidays associated with increased alcohol consumption.
Over the past three years, the Transportation Cabinet reported 40 crashes statewide on St. Patrick’s Day that were related to a drunk driver. Those crashes resulted in 17 injuries and one death. Officials also noted that approximately 14 percent of all deaths on Kentucky roadways last year were attributed to a drunk driver.
To help prevent future tragedies, transportation officials are urging several steps:
People who drink are asked to plan a sober ride using a designated driver, public transportation or a ride-share service. Kentuckians are reminded not to walk while impaired and to stay alert, since impairment can make even routine tasks like walking more dangerous.
Officials also urge everyone in a vehicle to buckle their seat belt on every trip, every time, calling seat belts the best defense against serious injury or death.
The Cabinet also asks the public to play an active role in stopping impaired driving. Friends are encouraged to take the keys from someone who has been drinking and help arrange a safe ride home and anyone who sees a driver who appears to be impaired is urged to report dangerous driving to Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555.
Key Facts
• Kentucky Transportation Cabinet urges sober rides for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
• KYTC Office of Highway Safety joins NHTSA’s Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign
• Over the past three years, 40 St. Patrick’s Day crashes in Kentucky were linked to drunk drivers
• Those crashes resulted in 17 injuries and one death statewide
• About 14 percent of Kentucky roadway deaths last year involved a drunk driver
• Officials urge using designated drivers, public transit or ride-share services
• Kentuckians are urged not to walk impaired and to stay alert
• Drivers are asked to buckle up on every trip
• Suspected drunk drivers can be reported to Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555
• Officials encourage people to step in and stop impaired friends from driving
Comments