Stay vigilant, stay safe for last long summer weekend

It’s hard to believe, but kids are back in school, football season is underway (GROWL BENGALS GROWL!) and pumpkin spice lattes are back. But before we bust out the sweaters and leaf rakes, we still have one last weekend of summer to enjoy, as people across Idaho head out to celebrate Labor Day Weekend.

While the holiday is a fun time to spend with family and friends, it’s also a time to be engaged and focused on our driving. Labor Day marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days of Driving. Although the busy summer driving season is nearly over, there are still some dangers on our roads we need to keep in mind.

Nearly 60 law enforcement agencies around Idaho will be on the lookout for drunk drivers through the holiday weekend – but keeping drunk drivers off our roads is a responsibility we all share.

Here are a few things we can all do to do our part:

Party with a plan
For those of us who choose to enjoy a refreshing adult beverage during their cookout or while watching a football game, plan ahead to get a sober ride home. Make the decision while you’re sober. Nobody makes their best decisions after a few drinks. Whether it’s a designated driver, a rideshare service, a taxi, or even calling a friend to pick you up – make a plan and stick to it.

Lend a hand
If you encounter someone who looks like they’ve had one too many, help them make the right decision. Don’t be afraid to help them call a cab or a sober friend. Also, if your phone rings at 3 a.m. and it’s someone you care about looking for a sober ride, please answer the call. Yes, it’s annoying and inconvenient, but it’s better than the alternative — letting that person end up ending up in a crash or in jail.

Call for help
It’s our hope that everyone makes a smart choice and avoids getting in the car after too many drinks, but there are some people who will inevitably make a poor decision. If you see someone you suspect is drunk on the roads – call 911. This may seem a little harsh or we might think it’s none of our business, but when a person makes the decision to drive drunk it affects all of us, so it certainly is our business.

Enjoy the long weekend but please celebrate safely. Drive well!    

         

Published 08-30-19