Halloween is quickly approaching, which for many people means celebrating with alcohol.
Manteca Police Department is reminding all drivers that “buzzed driving is drunk driving” because every Halloween there are still some people who think they can drive after drinking.
“We want people to remember: like ‘Trick-or-Treat;’ ‘Drink-or-Drive.’ One or the other, but never both,” said Police Chief Nick Obligacion.
Before you take your first sip of alcohol on Oct. 31, figure out who your designated sober driver will be. If you wait until you’re ‘buzzed’ to make a decision, you may decide to drive. In 2012 alone, there were 10,322 people killed in drunk–driving crashes. Those were preventable deaths that happened when drunk drivers failed to plan ahead.
Manteca Police is deploying extra DUI officers Halloween night to supplement routine patrol officers on one of the most deadly nights of the years. Officers will be looking for the tale-tell sign of alcohol and or drug impairment during each enforcement contact, all weekend long as many will be attending parties were alcohol is served.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Halloween is a statistically dangerous night for drunk driving. In 2012, almost half of all crash fatalities that night involved a drunk driver.
Manteca Police Department recommends these simple tips for a safe Halloween:
• Before the Halloween festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.
• Always designate a sober driver.
• If you are drunk, take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take their keys and help them make safe travel arrangements to where they are going.
Manteca Police are partnering with officers from around the county and region as part of the Avoid DUI taskforce. Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Traffic Safety Administration.
