Every year on May 5th, people nationwide get together to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. From in-home fiestas to Mexican restaurants overflowing with well-intentioned party-goers looking for some good food and good times, Cinco de Mayo has quickly become a nationwide celebration of food, friends and alcohol. To help keep our roadways safe, Regional One Health is joining with others across the state and nation to remind people that not only is it illegal to drink and drive, but the consequences can be disastrous, turning a fun celebration into a devastating night. From 2008-2012, there were 233 people killed in drunk driving crashes around Cinco de Mayo (6 p.m. May 4th to 5:59 a.m. May 6th). 89 people were killed in 2012 alone. Those deaths were preventable.
Whether you are throwing a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, joining friends, family or co-workers at the local Mexican restaurant or attending another celebration, it is important to plan ahead so you don’t put your life, and the lives of other innocent travelers, on the line. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.
Plan ahead to see Seis de Mayo. Most people don’t plan to drink and drive, but unfortunately they don’t have a plan at all. Follow these tips when making plans for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
- Before you go out, designate a safe, sober driver.
- If you are planning on drinking, leave your car keys at home.
- 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.
- If you can’t find a safe ride or you choose to walk home, remember that 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, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.
- And remember, if you know people who are about to drive or ride with someone who is impaired, help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely. If a friend is drunk and wants to drive, intervene and take the keys away if you have to.