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PRESS RELEASE December 19, 2007
Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck, Jr. Announces ArriveSafe
In 2005 there were 16,885 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the U.S. - one alcohol-related fatality every 31 minutes. Even more shocking is that an estimated 254,000 people are injured in alcohol-related crashes every year – one every 2 minutes. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in Ohio that same year, there were 505 alcohol-related fatalities. Here in Montgomery County, there were 359 alcohol-related crashes, of which 23 were fatal crashes - resulting in 23 deaths and another 488 injuries. The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration and joy. Last year in Ohio between December 22nd and January 1st, there were 16 fatal traffic crashes, 6 of which were the result of alcohol. These figures are not just statistics – every one of those fatalities was a real person. They left behind grieving friends and family members. The real tragedy is the fact that every one of the alcohol-related injuries and deaths were completely avoidable. Had the alcohol impaired driver never made the decision to get behind the wheel, all of those deaths and injuries would have been prevented. This is why, today, we are announcing a new program for residents of Montgomery County - ArriveSafe. If you are going to celebrate the holidays with alcohol, either have a designated driver or call ArriveSafe and we will provide you with a free cab ride home. The premise is simple – fewer drunk drivers on the road mean fewer crashes, and lives saved. My office, along with AAA Miami Valley and the Southwestern Ohio Affiliate of MADD have teamed up to provide this service. Starting this Friday, December 21st over the holiday weekends, if you have had too much to drink, simply call 449-9999 and ask for an ArriveSafe cab to take you home. We’ll dispatch a cab from Miami Liberty Cab Company to your location, and have them take you home. And, we’ll pick up the cost of the ride. MOST importantly, you’ll not get behind the wheel and risk not only your life, but the lives of others. This service is being offered on the Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday before Christmas and New Years, from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. Prosecutor Heck said, “As your Prosecuting Attorney, I see the results of alcohol related traffic homicides. If this prevents just one serious crash, saves one life, it is worth it. If you ask yourself, ‘Have I had too much to drink?’ you probably have! Don’t Drive! Remember, when celebrating, drinking, do you want to leave in the back of a cruiser, or the back of a cab? Do you want to go to jail, or go home?”
For more information, contact: Mr. Greg Flannagan, Administrative Assistant, 937-225-5610
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