(Oneida, NY – Feb. 2015) Alcohol-related deaths and injuries among people in our community have become all too common. There are many things that we, as a community, can do to reduce drinking and driving and to prevent these tragedies from happening. If you plan to drink, don’t drive. It is important to always have a plan. Walk, ride, carpool or call a cab to ensure your own safety as well as others on the road.
Several local businesses participated in a “Sticker Shock” campaign over the holiday season. Participating shops partnered with the Madison County STOP DWI Program, under the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with BRiDGES, Madison County Council on Alcoholism, Inc., and placed stickers, which read “Have a plan. Walk. Ride. Carpool. Call a cab. Don’t Drive. Get a Ride.” on hundreds of pizza boxes and carrying bags to deter those who may be drinking and driving.
“Sticker Shock” is a project that aims to reduce alcohol and impaired driving-related traffic injuries and fatalities through the coordination of county, town, city and village efforts. The shops who participated in and supported “Sticker Shock” included Titletown Liquors and Mark’s Pizzeria in Canastota, Oliveri’s, New York Pizzeria and Village Wine and Spirits in Hamilton
Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley reminds the public about the “Have A Plan” app. It is one of the most comprehensive traffic safety mobile apps in the country. Users can download the “Have A Plan” app by visiting www.stopdwi.org/mobile app and selecting the link from the Apple Store, Google Play, or the Windows Phone Store. “I urge drivers to make advance plans to get a sober ride home from a friend, a taxi or by using public transportation. The new “Have A Plan’ app can help guide individuals to make the right choice to get home safely. Don’t put yourself or others in harm’s way by driving while impaired,” noted Riley.
Riley and BRiDGES Executive Director Susan Jenkins stress that high profile events and holiday weekends aren’t the only time the message on the stickers apply; it should be observed year around. Both Riley and Jenkins thanked the establishments, Canastota High School’s SADD Chapter, and the Hamilton Boy Scouts Troop 120 for their support and willingness to help prevent drinking and driving in Madison County.