Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to remind all drivers that it’s dangerous to drive after drinking. You have to choose your role before drinking begins: will you drink or will you drive? Remember, even if you only have a little bit to drink and think you’re “okay to drive,” you could still be over the legal limit, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

District Attorney Marsico explained: “Many people think that if they’re just a little ‘buzzed,’ then they’re still good to drive.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  Time and again, drivers who may have only had a couple of drinks put themselves and others at serious risk.”  

Drunk driving is a terrible killer on our nation’s roads. In 2013, 10,076 people were killed in drunk driving crashes. This time of year is especially dangerous due to holiday celebrations and frequent parties. In 2013, a third (31%) of all crash fatalities in America involved drunk driving. 

So whether you are attending a Halloween party this weekend or just hanging out with friends, Dauphin County’s Law Enforcement Community urges everyone to plan ahead:

• Designate a sober driver. If you plan on drinking at all, don’t plan on driving.  Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member, use public transportation.
• Don’t assume that you’ll know whether you can safely drive or not at the end of the night.  Plan your alternate transportation ahead of time.   
• Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving!