As party-goers celebrate the holidays with friends and family, everyone should heed the Benton Police Department’s warning to keep the party off the road or be ready to face the consequences.  Law Enforcement will be out in force beginning December 20 cracking down on anyone caught drunk behind the wheel.

    “After hearing about the dangers of drinking and driving time after time, most people have gotten the message that if they’re planning on drinking, they should always plan a safe way home,” said Chief Kirk Lane.  “But sadly, millions of Americans still think they are invincible and regularly choose to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.”

    Lt. Kevin Russell said parents should take note that young males were at particularly high risk, with nearly one-quarter admitting to riding with someone who should not have been behind the wheel in the past year.

    “We know that the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in drunk driving,” said Chief Kirk Lane. “Don’t let your 2010 end in an arrest or worse, death.  Remember, whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk!”

    Lt. Kevin Russell said, during the month of December 2009, 753 people were killed in the U.S. in crashes that involved a driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

 Lt. Kevin Russell recommends these simple tips for a safe holiday season: 

 Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
 Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
 If you’re impaired, use a taxi, or call a sober friend or family member
 If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
 And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.  If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org or www.bentonpolice.org