The Hawai’i Police Department is reminding the public that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” and urges the community to follow these safety precautions:
- Designate a sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before the party begins.
- If you don’t have a designated driver, call a taxi or a friend.
- Never let a friend drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home.
- Don’t ride in a vehicle with a driver who is intoxicated.
- Always buckle up. It’s still your best defense against drunk drivers.
If you are hosting a party:
- Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance.
- Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
- Stop serving alcohol a few hours before the end of the party and keep serving non-alcohol drinks and food.
- Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving after drinking and get them a cab ride home.
- Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served alcohol to ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
- If an underage person drinks and drives, parents may be held liable for any damage, injury or death caused by the underage driver.
- Likewise, parents or other adults who provide alcohol to or host a party where alcohol is available to those under age 21 could face jail time.