Buzzed driving is drunk driving this holiday season

The holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving. In December 2007, 992 people were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

That's why the Fort Belvoir Army Substance Abuse Program is joining with national, state and local highway safety officials to remind everyone who will be celebrating during the holidays that "Buzzed
Driving is Drunk Driving" and to never forget to plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

The consumption of alcohol [or] drugs and driving just don't mix," said Millie Frank, Belvoir's alcohol and drug control officer. "Whether you've had way too many or just one too many, it's not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else. Don't ever get behind a wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired."

Following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road:

•Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
•Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
•If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
•Use your community's Sober Rides program available Dec. 2 to Jan. 1 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly. Sober Rides provides rides up to $50.00. The phone number is 1-800-200- TAXI.
•If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
•And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to safely get where they need to go.
"Saving lives on our roads is a top priority and we need everyone's help to do it," Frank said. "This holiday season; don't let your year end in an arrest - or even worse, death.
"Make smart decisions. Plan ahead, so you can assure a safe way home."
For more information, call Frank at 703-805-5981 or Carol Frazelle, employee assistance program coordinator, at
703-805-5980; or visit www.StopImpaireDriving.org.