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Dont-Drink-and-DriveSTAMFORD, CT – As Stamford residents prepare to enjoy the Holiday Season the Mayor’s Office, Office of Public Safety and Stamford Police Department (SPD) are doing their part to protect residents. In order to prevent drunk driving they will be implementing plans to enhance public safety through public awareness, better enforcement, and increased police visibility on Stamford roads.

Mayor Martin highlighted the importance of building awareness in the community and among Stamford’s young adults. “During the Holiday Season we want all residents to be safe. 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,” said Martin.

The Stamford Police Department will work hard to keep the city’s roads safe. Sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols, which reduce alcohol-related crashes substantially, have been scheduled throughout the Holiday Season.

The Offices provided the following message to residents:

Now it’s time for you as Stamford residents to do your part and plan a little in advance for your safety and the safety of others. Help us reduce accidents by driving with extra caution this Holiday Season. Anyone who is consuming alcohol should never get behind the wheel of a vehicle. If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 911 as this is a true emergency.

If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver; offer alcohol-free beverages; and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

The Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski explained, “Avoiding drinking and driving has never been easier. 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.”

To avoid the possibility of severe consequences and to provide for your safety and the safety of others, the following are simple alternative courses of action.

  1. 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. 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

  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Stay with Family, Friends, or at a Hotel
    Consider staying at a safe location with family, a friend or at a hotel.
  6. 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.

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.

City of Stamford Announces Anti Drinking and Driving Campaign

Posted: December 14, 2013
About the Author: Deputy Chief Philip Hayes
Deputy Chief Philip Hayes is a 37-year veteran of the Stamford Fire Department. He is currently assigned as a Deputy Chief in the Northern District. In addition to his regular Fire Officer duties, he is a Public Relations Officer, The DC in charge of the Marine Division, the developer of the StamfordFire.com website and serves on the Departments' IT Team. He is also an avid fan of Fire Department history.
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