NHDTZ Urges Safe Cinco de Mayo

The New Hampshire State Police and New Hampshire Driving Toward Zero Coalition are urging people to have safe Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Below is the press release issued by State Police and NHDTZ:

As New Hampshire residents prepare to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with music and authentic foods, many will also indulge with their favorite margarita or tequila, and then, unfortunately, choose to get behind the wheel.

That’s why the New Hampshire Driving Toward Zero Coalition (NHDTZ) , a collaborative effort of both public and private organizations whose mission is to create a culture of safety on New Hampshire roadways, encourages everyone to plan ahead this Cinco de Mayo and to never drink and drive.

"Cinco de Mayo can be one of the most dangerous days of the year as a result of impaired drivers," said Lieutenant Matthew Shapiro, New Hampshire State Police. "When people celebrate with alcoholic beverages, they tend to lose track of how much they’ve had to drink and are much more likely to make bad decisions that could end in tragic consequences. That’s why we always remind people to play it safe and plan ahead."

With alcohol such a big part of many Cinco de Mayo celebrations, it’s no surprise that impaired driving is especially high on May 5th. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency, from 2008 to 2012, 233 people in the U.S. were killed in drunk driving crashes on Cinco de Mayo. In 2012, almost half (45%) of all traffic crash fatalities on Cinco de Mayo involved drunk driving, which is almost double the number from 2011.

According to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, between 2009 and 2013, three people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on New Hampshire roadways on Cinco de Mayo. Although that number may seem low, even one fatality is one too many. The New Hampshire State Police and local law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for impaired drivers during Cinco de Mayo, and those who are caught drinking and driving will be arrested.

"The most sobering fact about drunk driving crashes and fatalities is that they are 100 percent preventable," said Christopher Clement, Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Transportation. "We want everyone to have fun, but also to be safe. NHDTZ is urging everyone to make good decisions and plan ahead before celebrating, because even one death is too many."

The NHDTZ Coalition offers the following tips to celebrate Cinco de Mayo safely:

Plan Before You Party:

Most people don’t plan to drink and drive, but unfortunately they don’t have a plan at all. Before you start to drink on Cinco de Mayo, designate a safe, sober driver. 

• If you plan on drinking, leave your car keys at home.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
• Use a community sober ride program, if available.
• If you can’t find a safe ride or you choose to walk home, remember that walking impaired can be just as dangerous as driving.  Ask a sober friend to walk you home.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1. You could save a life.
• And remember, if you know people who are about to drive or ride with someone who is impaired, help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely. If a friend is drunk and wants to drive, intervene and take the keys away if you have to.