Holiday impaired driving enforcement period begins Dec. 19.If your eggnog is spiked and you drive hammered, you will get nailed by Rock County Sheriff's officers patrolling Rock County roads during a stepped-up drunk driving crackdown from Dec. 19, 2003, through Jan. 5, 2004.The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety will coordinate the Safe & Sober effort that will include participation from more than 400 city and county law enforcement agencies and the State Patrol. The enforcement will be the biggest statewide campaign against impaired driving to date. Saturation patrols will also be conducted in select communities throughout the holiday season.In 2001, there were two alcohol related deaths and 76 injuries in Rock County.The Rock County Sheriff's Office urges everyone to be aware of the amount of alcohol that one can consume before becoming impaired. The impact of alcohol is determined by a number of factors: gender, weight, food consumed prior to drinking and pace of drinking.The safest solution is to have a plan before you go out: use alternative transportation, designate a sober driver, call for a cab or friend, take the bus, or stay the night at the location of the celebration.You've heard the 'Don't drink and drive' message before, it is time we start taking it seriously or your holidays, or someone else's could be ruined.Safe & Sober is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The program is designed to reduce traffic related fatalities and serious injuries.I thank you for your time and hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
