Representatives of Richland County law enforcement agencies gathered at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department for a kickoff of the crackdown on drunk driving known as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department officials made arrangements with Milliron Auto Parts to have two wrecked vehicles in place on the front lawn. The display faced the busy Lexington Avenue traffic and was a visible reminder of the possible consequences of driving impaired.
Officers gathered around the display at noon to drive home the message that there is no safe place in Richland County for those who choose to put lives at risk by drinking and driving. Police throughout Richland County will be out in force during the crackdown that runs through Labor Day weekend.
The kickoff event was organized by the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition and is producing a poster from the event for distribution at area bars and taverns.
“We want to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel drunk is a terrible idea,” said Safe Communities spokesperson Reed Richmond, a Health Educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department. “Unfortunately, not only does drinking impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, it also impairs your judgment and good sense about whether you can, or should drive. If you do chose to drive impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses,” Richmond said.
The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is reminding everyone that being arrested for driving drunk brings a wide range of negative consequences into one’s life. Consequences include:
• jail time
• loss of their driver licenses
• tremendous personal embarrassment when family, friends and co-workers find out
• steep financial consequences such as: higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work and potential loss of job
The Coalition suggest the following tips to avoid drunk driving:
• Plan a safe way home before consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
• If you’re impaired, don’t get behind the wheel. Call a taxi, use public transportation or call a sober friend or family member so you are sure to get home safely.
• Remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.
The public can help law enforcement during the crackdown:
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact any local law enforcement agency by calling 9-1-1 or call 1-800-GRABDUI — because you may just save someone’s life.
“Driving drunk is simply not worth the risk. So don’t take the chance. Remember, all of Ohio’s law enforcement branches will be out in force, so ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’” Richmond concluded.
For more information, visit the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Headquarters at www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.