For Immediate Release:
May 2, 2019

Contact: Tim Weisberg
OTS Marketing and Public Affairs
timothy.weisberg@ots.ca.gov
(916) 509-3020

Plan ahead and celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly

Elk Grove, Calif. – The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is asking everyone participating in Cinco de Mayo festivities this weekend to celebrate responsibly by planning ahead for how to get home safely.

Cinco de Mayo is on a Sunday this year, and law enforcement agencies across the state will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Unfortunately, Cinco de Mayo has become a deadly holiday for impaired driving, which is why it is important for everyone to celebrate with caution and make smart decisions about how they get home,” OTS Director Rhonda Craft said. “Designate a sober driver before the party, whether it is ride-share, a friend or taxi.”

Although alcohol consumption is more of an issue during the Cinco de Mayo holiday, the number of drug-impaired driving crashes continues to rise. The OTS wants to remind drivers that a “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can lead to a DUI.

Many people will be hosting or attending Cinco de Mayo parties, and the OTS offers a few tips to make sure everyone has a fun, safe time:

  •  Playing party host? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and ask how they are getting home.
  • If you plan to drink, choose a sober way to get around. Use ride-share, a designated sober driver, taxi, or public transportation to get home.
  •  If you are hosting a party and someone who is clearly impaired tries to leave, offer them a sober ride home or have them stay the night.

“Any level of impairment while driving puts everyone around you, and yourself, at risk,” Director Craft said. “Being sober is the safest bet behind the wheel.”

Whether by car, motorcycle, bike, scooter or walking, the OTS wants everyone to “go safely.” To learn more about ways to stay safe on the go, visit www.gosafelyca.org.

The OTS administers funding for traffic safety programs statewide with the goal of reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses. The OTS is a department under the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).

 

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