LITH Police warn about drinking and driving
This press release came in Wednesday afternoon to the newsroom from the Lake in the Hills Police Department:
There will be many reasons to be merry this holiday season. And making sure that your loved ones enjoy themselves responsibly is one of the most reliable ways to guarantee their safety. That is why the Lake in the Hills Police would like everyone to embrace the spirit of driving sober this season.
“The message is simple, drinking alcohol and driving does not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle,” said Sgt. Eric Decker, supervisor of the Lake in the Hills Traffic Unit.
Unfortunately, millions of drivers on America’s highways continue to make deadly decisions by driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle while intoxicated, which jeopardizes their safety and the safety of others on our roads.
“We know that the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to drunk driving,” said James Wales, director of Police and Public Safety. “Taking a risk on having your Thanksgiving end in an arrest or death is just not worth it.”
During December 2009, there were 753 people killed in crashes that involved drivers or motorcycle riders with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.
Lake in the Hills Police recommends these simple tips for a safe holiday season:
Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;
If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
And remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with a driver who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Partial funding for enforcement of intoxicated motorists is done in part with funding from a grant awarded to the Lake in the Hills Police Department by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Mini Alcohol Grant.
