The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), & other federal, state & local highway safety & law enforcement officials across the nation, want to remind everyone who plans on using alcohol during Cinco de Mayo festivities this year to act responsibly by designating sober drivers before going out to celebrate. Arizona ’s DUI Task Force will be out across the state this weekend & on Cinco de Mayo to remove impaired drivers through sobriety checkpoints & saturation patrols.
“Whether you’re meeting with a friend after work or attending a Cinco de Mayo party, remember this, if you plan on using alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel if you’re impaired,” said GOHS Director Richard Fimbres. “Use a sober designated driver, call a cab or find a safe ride home. And if you notice a friend showing signs of impairment, take their keys. Don’t let them get behind the wheel.”
Although Cinco de Mayo is intended to be a joyous occasion, it can be a very dangerous night out when alcohol is mixed with the celebration. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTS), from 2002 to 2006, an average of 43% of all highway fatalities on May 5th & overnight into the early morning of May 6th, were caused by impaired drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% & above). In Arizona, 45% of all traffic-related fatalities involve alcohol.
If you are planning to use alcohol on Cinco de Mayo:
· Designate a sober driver before going out to celebrate.
· Eat during the evening; load up on the chips & salsa & other appetizers, & then enjoy your other favorite Mexican foods during the evening.
· Don’t even think about getting behind the wheel if you’re drinking.
· Ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, or friend or family member to come & get you; use other mass transit if available; or just stay where you are & sleep it off until you are sober.
· Take the keys & never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive.
“Driving drunk or riding with someone who is under the influence is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are too serious & real,” Fimbres said. “In Arizona 409 people were killed drunk drivers in 2006. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma & financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be really significant, with a first time DUI arrest including mandatory jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, a suspended license, & installation of an ignition interlock device. And remember on Cinco de Mayo - and every day - Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.”