From:    Oklahoma Highway Safety Office
Sabrina Mackey, Communications Manager                
3223 N. Lincoln
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
smackey@dps.state.ok.us
(405) 523-1577

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2009

 

 

Don’t let Halloween turn into a horror story:

Be responsible, and remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving!

 

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) – Halloween is a much-loved fall tradition that is enjoyed by people of all ages. But irresponsible celebrating can quickly spoil all the fun, and that’s why the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office is reminding everyone that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”

“With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, we want to remind revelers to be responsible by not taking the party to the roadways, putting themselves, trick-or-treaters and other motorists at risk,” said Sabrina Mackey, OHSO communications manager.

Halloween is a particularly deadly night due to drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, 58 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 p.m. Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state.

“One foolish decision can turn a fun Halloween into a real-life horror story,” Mackey said. “There are simple precautions partygoers can take, such as designating a sober driver in advance or taking a taxi.”

Mackey also recommends these simple tips:

·         Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin

·         Before drinking, designate a sober driver

·         If you’re impaired and haven’t designated a sober driver, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation

·         Use your community’s Sober Rides program, if available

·         If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement officers

“We want to make sure all Oklahomans have an enjoyable Halloween,” Mackey said. “Law enforcement officers across the state will be out in full force to remove drunk drivers from our roads and to help make it a safe and happy holiday.”

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For more information, visit www.ohso.ok.gov or www.StopImpairedDriving.org.