Colonel Kenneth
L. Morckel
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol
In association with the Ohioans for Responsible Drinking organization and the Ohio Department of Public Safety, 50,000 free travel coffee mugs will be handed out across Ohio. Those who receive a mug can take it to any BP Express in Ohio this holiday weekend, from June 29 through July 4, and receive free coffee. The effort is part of a holiday education effort titled, Designate a Driver. That’s a Plan!
Traditionally, the Independence Day holiday weekend is dangerous on Ohio roads. Before this year, that was also true for the Memorial Day weekend. This year, however, Ohio experienced the safest Memorial Day weekend in over a decade. We need to keep that positive news in mind and make this upcoming Independence Day weekend another safe one for motorists in our state. Choosing to be a designated driver is a step in that direction.
It has been known for decades that alcohol impairment contributes to crashes, but the term “drunk driving” is an inaccurate characterization of the problem of alcohol-related crashes. The first criminal laws targeting this problem prohibited “drunk driving” thereby encouraging the notion that the problem involved drivers who were visibly drunk.
The truth is many alcohol-impaired drivers do not appear drunk. Research has shown that even small amounts of alcohol can impair the skills involved in driving, but the persistent notion that the problem is predominantly one of drunk drivers has allowed many drinking drivers to decide they are not part of the problem. For these reasons, the term alcohol-impaired driving is a more accurate and precise description of what is commonly referred to a drunk driving.
The designated driver program has significantly contributed to the reduction of alcohol-related fatalities. We have made great strides in reducing the number of alcohol-related crashes in Ohio, but we must focus our efforts on further reducing very preventable crashes. By planning to be a designated driver, Ohioans can directly contribute to a safe but fun holiday weekend.
Ohioans for Responsible Drinking, a non-profit organization, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety are providing funding for the Independence Day holiday weekend effort, and BP Express has agreed to provide the coffee free of charge during the promotion.
The Patrol is proud to partner with these organizations because they have taken tangible steps which will likely directly impact highway safety. Law enforcement must be accompanied by educational and awareness components in order to be effective and save lives. This venture exemplifies how both can be mixed.
It is clear from the safe Memorial Day weekend that combining education and enforcement efforts is making a difference and reducing tragedy on Ohio roads. We need motorists to continue to remember that obeying all traffic laws, always buckling up, and not drinking and driving are among the best ways to survive the summer. Also we need the public to continue to use the 1-877-7-PATROL when spotting a dangerous driver or stranded motorist, or 1-800-GRAB DUI or cellular *DUI in reporting drunk drivers.
From June 29 through July 4 Patrol troopers and many Ohio radio stations will distribute free travel coffee mugs to designated drivers. The mugs can be taken to any Ohio BP Express station to receive free, unlimited refills during the holiday weekend.
Being a designated driver ensures that the party continues, and ends, safely.
Remember, Designate a Driver. That’s a Plan!