Released by the OCSO.
The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is issuing a release today regarding safe driving practices for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
“Even though St. Patrick’s Day is next Tuesday, there will be many who will be celebrating this weekend,” says Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “Many will be celebrating at parties and events with alcohol this weekend and even next week. With this in mind, we want to remind our citizens to celebrate responsibly. Therefore, we are providing our citizens with these safety tips for safe practices while they celebrate.”
Drunk driving accounts for nearly one-third of vehicle-related fatalities in the United States, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Due to this fact, the NHTSA is reminding motorists this weekend to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Sheriff Crenshaw is issuing the following safety tips for the citizens of Oconee County to keep in mind as they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day:
· Always have a designated driver if you plan to consume alcohol or use a ride sharing service to travel between destinations.
· Never drink and drive. Alcohol consumption greatly impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle. Also, make sure to wear your seatbelt and that all those inside the vehicle are properly restrained.
· Driving while impaired and under the influence increases your risk of having an accident where motorists, pedestrians and the driver can be greatly injured or perhaps lose their lives.
· Being arrested for Driving under the Influence brings about increased insurance costs and significant court costs as well.
· If you see anyone as you travel who appears to be driving under the Influence, call 911 or use the non-emergency line for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office at 864-638-4111. If you call, please provide dispatch as much information as you can, including make and model of the vehicle, the color of the vehicle, tag information and where the vehicle is questioned is located.
