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Unison Behavioral Health Group has kicked off its 2011 “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” holiday prevention campaign, themed “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”
The campaign, funded by The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, focuses on the highest risk driving population – young men ages 16 to 25. Components of this year’s campaign include outdoor advertising, social media and public education. The message is very simple: If you plan to drink, do not drive. Period.
“Buzzed”
is a popular term used to describe a feeling of slight intoxication after drinking or using drugs. Many people use the term to describe a condition that they see as being less than intoxicated, however, being “buzzed” impairs judgment and impaired driving remains one of America’s deadliest social problems.
“Our goal this year is the same as it was last year – to raise public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving,” said Dr. Larry Hamme, Chief Clinical Officer for Unison. “The holiday season is among the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in buzzed and drunk driving. We’re working hard to raise awareness locally because statistics show us that one in three drivers in Lucas County will be impacted by a buzzed and/or drunk driver this holiday season.”
According to Dr. Hamme, last year’s campaign received overwhelming public support. The State Highway Patrol reported no OVI-related deaths during the holiday season, which began on Nov. 24, 2010 and ended Jan. 2, 2011. The acronym OVI refers to the term “Operating a Vehicle (while under the) Influence.
“Most people don’t intend to drive drunk,” said Dr. Hamme. “But too many people try to convince themselves and their friends that they aren’t drunk, just buzzed, and are perfectly capable of driving – when they aren’t. We want the residents of Lucas County to understand how important this is.”
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County and Unison Behavioral Health Group recommend these tips for a safe holiday season:
1. Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
2. Before drinking or partying, designate a sober driver
3. If you’re buzzed, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation
4. If you happen to see a drunk or impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911 to report the vehicle
5. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.
Find Unison on Facebook at http://facebook.com/unisonbhg, on Twitter at http://twitter.com/unison_bhg and on YouTube at http://youtube.com/user/unisonbhg.
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