TOMS RIVER – Tis the season for celebration! With all of the New Year’s Eve celebrations coming up fast, it is always important to remember to celebrate responsibly! The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) reminds everyone not to drink and drive, especially during this holiday season.
It is never safe to drink and drive, but it is important to emphasize this during the time of year characterized by holiday festivities and gatherings. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, two to three times more people die in alcohol-related crashes during Christmas and New Year’s than any other time of the year.
“The statistics really are sobering. Almost 30 people in the United States die every day in motor vehicle accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver,” said Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little.
Keep these statistics in mind as you enjoy yourself at holiday parties this season. If you drink, don’t get behind the wheel.
Daniel E. Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator, provides these tips for holiday party-goers to stay safe:
- Plan ahead by appointing a designated driver or putting a local taxi service’s number in your phone if needed.
- Stop anyone who has been drinking from driving.
- Do not get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
- Call 911 if you see a drunk driver.
- Stay the night or offer up a place to sleep for your party guests who have been drinking.
Regenye also advises that everyone “put the phone away before you get behind the wheel and stay safe and sound while driving this holiday season.”
For more information visit the Ocean County Health Department website at ochd.org.
