TULSA, OK – [September 2, 2015] – The Tulsa Health Department’s Regional Prevention Coordinator (RPC) program reminds motorists that law enforcement personnel in Tulsa County and across the state will be out in force over the Labor Day weekend in the battle to end alcohol-related crashes and drunk driving.
RPC and the Stop DUI Task Force join law enforcement, safety advocates, and the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office in urging the public not to drink and drive. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and the state ENDUI campaigns began August 31 and will conclude on September 7.
Drunk driving continues to be one of the most deadly and harmful crimes in America today. Each year thousands of lives are lost due to driving under the influence of alcohol.
“Labor Day is one of the most dangerous holidays of the year regarding alcohol-related crashes and fatalities on Oklahoma highways,” said Marianne Long, Tulsa Health Department’s RPC program manager. “Last year there were seven fatal crashes in Oklahoma during Labor Day with eight fatalities, four of which were alcohol-related. We simply ask people not to get behind the wheel if they have been drinking.”
Below are some tips to help motorist and passengers to remain safe this Labor Day holiday period – and all year long.
Plan ahead by arranging a safe way home before you begin the Labor Day festivities
Before drinking, designate a sober driver
If you have been drinking, call a taxi, a sober friend, participate in ride sharing, or use public transportation
Call 1-800-222-4357 for AAA’s Tipsy Tow service for a free ride home in metro Tulsa
If you see a drunk/impaired driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement immediately
If you know someone who is about to drive after drinking, be a friend, take their keys and help them to make other arrangements to get home safely
Regional Prevention Coordinators
Regional Prevention Coordinators is a grant funded program established to reduce the rates for underage drinking, adult binge drinking, and the non-medical use of painkillers within Tulsa County. The work of RPC is concentrated on population-level change in Tulsa County by assisting communities in determining the substance abuse problems affecting their constituents and the most effective strategies to address these problems. RPC works with local coalitions and stakeholders to gather data, track trends, and provide training and technical assistance within the community. Additionally, RPC provides support for town hall meetings and assists with local alcohol compliance operations. For more information regarding the RPC program at the Tulsa Health Department, please visit www.tulsa-health.org.
Stop DUI Task Force
Tulsa County’s Stop DUI Task Force represents a cross section of the community, including citizens, government officials, law enforcement, business, health professionals, and prevention and treatment specialists with the mission of promoting a healthier and safer environment for county residents by reducing the number of alcohol-related traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities through public education, awareness, legislation, policies, and environmental and enforcement strategies.
