According to AAA, 91 percent of Kansas holiday travelers, or 83.6 million people, are expected to take to the roadways during the year-end holiday period at a time when many are partying to celebrate the season.
“We want to make people aware that our officers will be watching,” said Barton County Sheriff Greg Armstrong. Sadly, he said, as folks drive to visit loved ones this time of year, trips too often end tragically.
“All we want to do is make sure people stay safe,” he said. The number of alcohol-related wrecks in the county spikes this time of year and that number has remained pretty constant. But this year with the increase in car/deer collision, the situation could be even worse.
That makes taking care when making merry all that much more important, said Jodi Sproul, Hays-based Regional Prevention Center of Northwest Kansas director. Making sure that loved ones enjoy themselves responsibly is one of the most reliable ways to guarantee their safety.
“The message is simple, drinking alcohol and driving do not mix,” Sproul said. “If you plan to consume alcohol, you should plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle.”
Unfortunately, millions of drivers on America’s highways continue to make deadly decisions by driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle while intoxicated, which jeopardizes their safety and the safety of others on our roads.
“We know that the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to drunk driving,” said Sproul, “Taking a risk on having your 2011 end in an arrest or death is just not worth it.”
During December 2009, there were 177 Kansans killed in crashes that involved drivers or motorcycle riders with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.
Sproul 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 drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
• And remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride with a driver who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
For more information, please visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.