Jackson County Sheriff's Office deputies will be conducting DUII saturation patrols through the holiday season. From now through New Year's Day, deputies will focus their patrols on rural roadways in an effort to spot impaired drivers. Grant funding allows JCSO to put extra deputies on the road without taking away from normal calls for service.
This time of year, many people will be attending holiday parties and events. Don't allow your celebration to be marred by tragedy. Prevention is the key -- plan ahead to avoid driving while impaired:
* HAVE A PLAN: Plan to drive sober or designate someone else to do so. Save the number of a taxi company in your phone so you always have a backup plan.
* DRINK OR DRIVE: Once you know where you'll celebrate, decide whether you're drinking or driving - choose only one.
* GETTING AROUND: Before you take your first sip, leave your keys at home or give them to a friend. If you're the designated driver, don't drink. If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.
* PASSENGERS, TOO: Drivers aren't the only ones at risk. Only accept a ride from a sober driver.
* HELP A FRIEND: If you know people who are about to drive while impaired, help them to make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
* SAY SOMETHING: If you suspect an impaired driver on the roadway, call police immediately. It is okay to call 911 to report an impaired driver.
Thank you for your help in keeping our roads safe this holiday season.