K.S.P. Warns: Drink & Drive = New Year in Jail

As you celebrate the holiday season enjoying traditions, food, family and fun, be reminded that state and local law enforcement officers will be out in force this holiday season to arrest anyone caught driving drunk behind the wheel.

“The message is simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” said Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) Director Bill Bell.  “As easy as that sounds, unfortunately many drivers still choose to jeopardize their safety and the safety of others on our roads by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.”

Ten people were killed on Kentucky roadways last year during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday.  Three of the deaths involved alcohol. 

“This holiday season, the KOHS is honored to have a family from Kentucky help spread the message about the dangers of drinking and driving,” said Bell. 

Stephen and Karen Sikra and their three children, of Erlanger, are featured in two public service announcements airing statewide during the holiday enforcement campaign sponsored by the KOHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The family members suffer from physical and mental trauma because of injuries sustained in a crash involving a drunken driver. 

“I never thought we’d be a statistic,” said Karen Sikra.  “But we are using our experience as an opportunity to help save lives by encouraging people to enjoy the holidays, but warning them to celebrate responsibly.”

According to the NHTSA, one of every three Americans will be impacted by a drunken driving crash in their lifetime. 

The KOHS recommends these simple tips for a safe holiday season:           

• • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
  • Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;
  • If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
  • Use your community’s sober ride program;
  • If you happen to see a drunken driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
• And remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take that person’s keys and help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.