December is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be cautious. .
With the holidays come family gatherings, office parties, meeting up with old friends in town, and other events that may lead to a little … over-consumption.
It’s a topic the department preaches all year long, “because of how easy it is to not drink and drive (or drive high).”
The best way to ensure you and those around you have a safe night, is to plan before you go out. Plan to call an Uber or taxi when the night wraps up. Plan to have a designated driver to take you home. Plan to crash at your friend’s house. It’s a much better alternative then crashing into something (or someone) while driving under the influence (drunk or drugged).
Notice someone trying to take off and you know they have had too much to drink or are in some capacity, under the influence of drugs? Intervene, get their keys away if necessary, and find them a safe way to get home. They might not like it in the moment, but you could be saving a life and once sobered up, they will appreciate it!
Law enforcement around the country (and Linn County) are on the lookout for impaired driving. If you do decide to drive drunk or drugged, law enforcement officers may be the ones driving you at the end of the night….to jail.