Full Notification

As you plan to gather with family and friends for the Fourth of July holiday, Sheriff Clayton and the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is urging you to celebrate safely.
 
Let's enjoy the Fourth and make sure our loved ones make it home safely at the end of the night. Keep in mind that although you won’t be under the influence when you’re driving home, it is important to be alert on a night when the accident rate is higher than normal.
 
You can help by not getting behind the wheel if you are under the influence and by helping friends and family find a safe way home. Here are a few tips to prevent drivers from getting behind the wheel while they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
 
Prevent Driving Under the Influence:

1. Have a safety plan before you leave home.  
    
2. Choose a non-drinking designated driver if you’re consuming alcohol.
    
3. Protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive while under the influence. They may be mad at you, but the alternative is much worse.  
    
4. Ask for a ride, call a taxi or a ride sharing service.
    
5. If you’re throwing the party offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks. Monitor your guests and set the tone that no one gets behind the wheel while under the influence.

There are several signs associated with driving under the influence. Keep these in mind to help avoid a dangerous situation. If you identify a driver that is under the influence call 9-1-1.
 
Detecting Drunk Drivers:

• Making wide turns
• Weaving, swerving, drifting, or straddling the center line
• Almost striking an object or vehicle
• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Driving at a very slow speed
• Stopping without cause
• Braking erratically
• Responding slowly to traffic signals
• Turning abruptly or illegally
• Driving after dark with headlights off

With the Fourth comes fireworks and one of the safest ways to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by the professionals. If you do chose to light your own fireworks here are a few tips to think about.
 
Firework Safety Tips:

1. Fireworks and being under the influence don’t mix. Just like you’d take the keys away from the person trying to drive while under the influence, make sure to take the lighter away from the intoxicated relative or friend who is trying to light the fireworks.  
    
2. Don’t let small children handle fireworks and older children should use them under close adult supervision.
    
3. Never place any part of your body directly over the fireworks when lighting the fuse. Make sure you move to a safe distance immddiately after lighting.
    
4. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy, in case of a small fire or mishap. Remember, fireworks may still be too hot to touch even after they are done and appear safe.
    
5. Do not relight or handle a “dud”. If the firework is malfunctioning soak it with water and throw it away.
    
6. Never light them indoors or try to ignite them inside of a container.
    
7. Know your local ordinance and be courteous to your neighbors. Some areas have a specific ordinance detailing the type of fireworks and times that you can set them off.

 
“An educated and engaged community is our best partner” – Sheriff, Jerry L. Clayton