May 24, 2019 – As you plan to gather with family and friends for Memorial Day weekend, Sheriff Clayton and the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office is urging you to celebrate safely.
Let’s enjoy the weekend 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 or enjoying time out on our waterways, it is important to be alert on a weekend when the accident rate is higher than normal.
In 2018, 19 people in Michigan died in traffic crashes during the same holiday weekend.That’s almost double the number of traffic fatalities during the same weekend in 2017.
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:
- Have a safety plan before you leave home.
- Choose a non-drinking designated driver if you’re consuming alcohol.
- 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.
- Ask for a ride, call a taxi or a ride sharing service.
- 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
Some of us may chose to spend time out on the water over the weekend. Here are a few boater safety tips to consider should you venture out on the waterways.
Weekend Boather Safety Tips:
- Always follow local laws pertaining to Marine Safety.
- Always wear and have enough USCG approved life jackets on board for all passengers.
- Children under 6 years of age must wear a USCG approved type I or type II life jacket when riding on any vessel while underway.
- Avoid alcohol; designate a sober operator before leaving the dock.
- Be contentious of the weather. Thunderstorms, wind, and lightning are a concern for this weekend. Plan accordingly and return to shore if hazardous weather is near.
- Keep a cell phone handy to call for help if needed. Also, let a responsible adult know your plans, where you’ll be, and when you expect to return.
- Use common sense - operate at safe speeds at all times and stay clear of obstructions and hazards in the water.
“An educated and engaged community is our best partner” – Sheriff, Jerry L. Clayton
