Overall the Eaton County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 786 calls for service/events. Our higher call volumes occurred in the following areas: Traffic Stops-121, Traffic Violations-51, Assist Citizen/Motorist Assists-38, Suspicious Subject/Situation/Vehicle-38, Property Damage Crashes-24, Domestic Disputes-23, Check Well Beings-21, Alarms-20, Traffic Hazards-19, Civil Complaints-16, Shoplifting Complaints-16, Property Damage Hit and Run-14, Larcenies-13, Disorderly Person or Subject-11, Unknown Problem-10, and Threats-10.
The national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign runs from August 19-September 7th. It focuses on law enforcement and their goal to stop drunk drivers.
Sobering Statistics:
- Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. In 2018, there were 10,511 people killed in drunk-driving crashes. To put it in perspective, that’s equal to about 20 jumbo jets crashing, with no survivors.
- Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher — no exceptions.
- Of the traffic fatalities in 2018 among children 14 and younger, 231 occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
- Despite the fact that it’s illegal to drive when impaired by alcohol, in 2018, one person was killed every 50 minutes by a drunk driver on our nation’s roads.
- Men are more likely than women to be driving drunk when involved in fatal crashes
The Cost of Drunk Driving:
- On average, a DUI can set you back $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing, and more.
- The financial impact from impaired-driving crashes is devastating. Based on 2010 numbers (the most recent year for which cost data is available), impaired-driving crashes cost the United States $44 billion annually.
- If you’re caught drinking and driving, you can face jail time. Imagine trying to explain that to your friends and family or your place of employment.
- Drinking and driving can cause you to lose your driver’s license and your vehicle. This could inhibit you from getting to work, resulting in lost wages and, potentially, job loss.
Always remember to plan ahead if you will be celebrating. If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to take you home. Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously and do not consume alcohol, not even one drink.
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or contact a ride service to get home safely.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact 9-1-1.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
Keep this important message in mind: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DUI.
Yours in Public Safety,
Sheriff Tom Reich