Had too Much to Drink and Drive? There's an App for That

Just as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is winding down, one of the biggest times for drinking and driving is upon us.

Lynn Epps, director of the Cherokee County DUI/Drug Court wants to remind everyone to think before you put the keys in the ignition after a night of partying this New Year’s Eve.

There are several ways to make Cherokee County’s roads safer this New Year’s Eve, and the first is to never drink and drive, Epps said.

“Our goal is to make sure everyone understands the risks involved and how to minimize those risks for themselves and others,” said Epps.

Before you leave to go out for the night, Epps said make sure you have a designated driver in place or you have a car service to drive you from place to place. You can also choose a cab company and keep the number with you. Call and arrange for pick up when you are ready to go home.

Most establishments will offer designated drivers free soft drinks or other non-alcoholic beverages for the night.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has launched another tool to keep motorists safe this year.

It is offering apps for smartphones called “Drive Sober Georgia.” The mobile app will give you a list of free sober ride programs to make sure you get home safely.

The free app is available for download on iPhone and Android phones. For yours, go to: www.drivesobergeorgia.com.

Local law enforcement agencies also will be out in force looking for impaired drivers, Epps said. And a DUI could cost thousands of dollars and jail time.

The DUI/Drug Court director said it's OK to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but do so safely this year, and utilize the tools at your disposal, because you don’t want to start off 2012 in jail, or worse. 

For more information about the Cherokee County DUI/Drug Court, go to http://www.cherokeeduidrugtreatment.com and view the video on the Court's Facebook page.

Locally, Woodstock Police will be conducting “Operation Safe Ride” once again this year. On New Year’s Eve, Woodstock police officers will provide free rides home to patrons at local bars who may be impaired or feel it is unsafe to drive. 

Any person in need of a ride must:

• Be at an establishment within the incorporated limits of Woodstock,
• Live a reasonable distance within Woodstock, and
• Not have any money to call a taxi.

Neese Towing has joined the operation again this year and are offering to tow vehicles to homes free of charge.

In its fourth year, this operation has provided over 250 rides home and has saved uncountable lives. The Department utilizes its 15 passenger van and two police officers to drive people home.

“The main reason for this operation is to ensure that residents can celebrate the holiday, but not endanger the lives of others by driving impaired” says Lt. Troy Brazie, Special Operations Group Commander. “We have fun interacting with all of the residents and meeting new people. It is a way for us to get out in the community” Lt. Brazie adds.

Anyone interested in a ride home on New Year’s Eve can make prior arrangements by calling 678-392-8072 anytime and can call the night of as well.