Stamford officials have kicked off an Anti-Drinking and Driving Campaign, asking city residents to be safe when celebrating the holiday season this year and announcing the implementation of a number of public awareness and safety enhancements and better enforcement and visibility from authorities out on the road, all to prevent drunk driving.
"During the holiday season we want all residents to be safe," said Mayor David Martin. "We especially urge all parents to take the time and talk to their young adults about the dangers of underage drinking and the consequences of their actions."
Sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols will be aimed at reducing alcohol-related crashes substantially this year, Martin's Office said. He also asked residents to do their part in improving everyone's overall safety by planning trips in advance, driving more carefully, making sure to never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol and immediately calling 911 if a suspected drunk driver is spotted.
"If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver," Martin said. "Offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver."
Officials also offered a number of alternatives to driving under the influence by utilizing any of Stamford's wonderful transportation highlights.
"Avoiding drinking and driving has never been easier," said Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski. "Whenever your social plans involve alcohol make arrangements so that you don’t have to drive after drinking. There are a wide variety of options to choose before resorting to getting behind the wheel while inebriated."
1. Choose a Designated Driver: Prior to any drinking, designate a non-drinking driver when with family, friends or a group. If you are going out with friends, have one of your friends be responsible for driving for the evening. That friend avoids drinking and is able to drive everyone home safely.
2. Phone a Friend, Family Member or Parent: Call a friend, family member or parent to pick you up. It might be a little bothersome, but nowhere near as embarrassing as asking them to bail you out of jail and a lot more convenient than a visit to the hospital or worse.
3. Public Transportation: Take advantage of a wide variety of public transportation locations in Stamford that can be convenient to where you may be drinking alcohol.
4. Stay with Family, Friends, or at a Hotel: Consider staying at a safe location with family, a friend or at a hotel.
5. Walking: You can choose a location within walking distance of your home, or choose a place near sleeping accommodations like a hotel or other location.
6. Call a Cab: If you have been drinking, get a ride home or call a taxi. You can return for your vehicle the following day with no real problem. A small cab fee is much better than the potential cost of a DUI charge. When you go out, take the number for the cab company with you so that you are prepared for that moment that you want to go home. They will pick you up and drive you home.
Stamford Taxi 203-325-2611
Stamford Yellow Cab/Eveready Cab 203-967-3633
Independent Taxi 203-968-6800
USA Taxi 203-487-0007
Main Street Drivers 888-327-4460
"Besides the safety and convenience of the service, Main Street Drivers can also help keep your name out of the police blotter, causing irreparable, potentially career-ending harm to a personal reputation," said James Hirtenstein, creator of Main Street Drivers, Inc., and a founding member of the International Association For Child Safety.
Choosing to use these simple alternatives will have the advantage of avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol. Simply put, planning a little in advance will provide for your safety, the safety of others and will allow you to enjoy the Holiday Season.
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