Social Media Contest to Increase Awareness, Decrease DWI During Holidays
The Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth will launch its Let’s Keep Riverhead Safe Campaign against DWI Saturday, November 26, 2016 with a social media contest. Despite the efforts of prevention initiatives, law enforcement, and changing social norms, alcohol-impaired driving remains a public safety issue, particularly during the holiday season. The campaign reminds the community about the serious risks and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.
“With holiday parties and celebrations just around the corner, it is important for all of us to remember that driving under the influence of alcohol poses serious legal issues and far worse, it puts all of us on the road at risk,” Riverhead CAP Community Prevention Specialist, Cynthia Redmond said. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol impairment counted for 31% of overall driving fatalities.
Riverhead Town Police Chief Hegermiller added, “The Holiday season is a time for Santa, good cheer, get-togethers and parties, but don’t con yourself into thinking that you can drink and drive. The Riverhead Police will be out in full force along with other police departments, extra patrols and those pop-up check points. If you are DWI, we will get you. It is much easier getting a ride home in a cab or with a friend than taking that dreaded ride with us to jail. Together, all of us can make sure that this season is a safe and happy one for everyone.”
In New York State, drivers over the age of 21, who have a blood alcohol content (BAC) .08% or above will be charged with DWI. Underage drivers who are discovered driving under the influence of alcohol will be charged with DWI if their BAC is .02% or above. Leandra’s Law (Child Passenger Protection Act) makes it an automatic felony if a driver is charged with DWI and has a passenger, under the age of fifteen, in the vehicle.
In an effort to raise awareness and decrease DWI, the Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth will have its mobile billboard truck out on Saturday, November 26, 2016 and Sunday, December 18, 2016 spreading holiday cheer and offering sound advice. The coalition will also provide print and digital versions of the campaign to community partners who would like to participate. Click here to view the full campaign ad.
Community members who take a picture of the truck, post it on Facebook, and tag Riverhead CAP will be entered into a contest to win a Tanger Outlet gift card. It is asked that participants exercise caution by not taking pictures or posting while driving a vehicle. Contact Cynthia Redmond at (631) 727-3722 or Outreach@RiverheadCAP.org to learn more or to get free materials for your company or organization to participate.
