New Year Safety

Celebrate the New Year responsibly – always designate a sober driver when going out to celebrate. Responsible planning means designating a driver or planning to use a ride share service before your holiday celebrating begins.

• Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
• Buckle Up. A seatbelt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature, but it only works if you use it.
• If you’re impaired and did not designate a driver, use a ride service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
• If you happen to see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement or dial *FHP (*347). This call could save a life.
• And remember, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle (in motion or stopped) by the driver and or the passenger(s) is a violation of Florida law.

Myths and Facts About Drinking

The legal drinking age in Florida is 21. Anyone under the age of 21 in possession of alcohol can be cited for a second-degree misdemeanor, which can lead to costly court fees, fines and other lasting consequences. Selling alcohol to anyone under 21 or buying alcohol for anyone under 21 is also a misdemeanor.

Know the facts about alcohol consumption:

Myth: Coffee can sober up someone who has had too much to drink.
Fact: Only time sobers. It takes about one hour for your body to process each drink.

Myth: Hard liquor is more intoxicating than beer or wine.
Fact: A 12-ounce can of beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce wine cooler contain the same amount of alcohol and the same intoxication potential as 1 1/2 oz. of liquor.

Myth: Someone who has had too much to drink will look intoxicated.
Fact: Someone’s physical appearance can be misleading. One drink can impair someone’s ability to drive. Judgment is the first thing affected when someone has been drinking and important motor skills are next.

Tow-to-Go

AAA and Budweiser have partnered to provide free rides to those who have had too much to drink. Adults in need of a ride can call 1-855-2-TOW-2-GO. AAA will dispatch a tow truck and will take both the driver and the vehicle home, free of charge. This service is available throughout Florida – to both AAA members and non-members. Visit AAA’s website for more information.

Call *FHP (*347) to report intoxicated or aggressive drivers, or if your vehicle breaks down and you need assistance. To request immediate emergency services, dial 911.