THP Gears Up for Cinco de Mayo Enforcement

Nashville, Tennessee — The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other federal, state and local highway safety and law enforcement agencies across the nation to remind everyone who plans on using alcohol during Cinco de Mayo festivities this year to act responsibly by designating a sober driver before going out to celebrate.

“Whether you’re meeting with a friend after work or attending a Cinco de Mayo party, remember this, if you plan on using alcohol, never drink and drive,” said THP Commander Colonel Mike Walker.  “If you notice a friend showing signs of impairment, take their keys.  Don’t let them get behind the wheel.”

Although Cinco de Mayo is intended to be a joyous occasion, it can be a very dangerous night when alcohol is mixed with the celebration.  According to NHTSA, from 2002 to 2006, an average of 43 percent of all highway traffic fatalities on May 5 and overnight into the early morning of May 6 were caused by impaired drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 percent and above. In 2006, 40 percent of traffic fatalities occurring on Tennessee roads were alcohol-related.

If you are planning to use alcohol on Cinco de Mayo:

• Designate a sober driver before going out to celebrate;
• Don’t even think about getting behind the wheel if you’re drinking;
• Ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, your local sober rides program (1-800-AAA HELP in Metro Nashville) or friend or family member to come and get you; use other mass transit; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you’re sober;
• Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive.

As part of the Cinco de Mayo public safety awareness and enforcement campaign, the THP will conduct aggressive enforcement with sobriety and driver license checkpoints statewide throughout the weekend.

“Driving drunk or riding with someone who is under the influence is simply not worth the risk,” said Col. Walker.  “The consequences are too serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be really significant.  And remember on Cinco de Mayo, Amigos Don’t Let Amigos Drive Drunk.”