NEW PHILADELPHIA (Tusco TV) - Tuscarawas County Safe Community officials are urging people to do their part to keep the roads safe this holiday weekend by not getting behind the wheel if they've been drinking.

Coordinator Kelly Snyder encourages partygoers to think ahead and designate a sober driver if they’re planning to consume alcohol during their holiday gatherings, and people who won't be drinking to make sure other guests have a way to get home safely. 

“As you’re getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, just keep in mind what your plans are. If you’re going somewhere where there’s going to be alcohol, make a plan. Have a sober ride, offer to be a sober ride for someone, or plan on not drinking. The roads are going to be crowded, and everybody just needs to have a plan of what they’re going to do and how they’re going to get home safely,” she says.

Snyder says people who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol not only put themselves and others at risk, but they could face hefty fines and penalties if they get pulled over.

“The cost altogether when you put all your costs together could add up to $10,000. That’s huge, and that could really devastate a family or a person financially, on top of the fact that you could have killed somebody or may be in a severe accident and had harmed yourself,” she says.

Safe Communities will be at the Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market today from 3 to 7 sharing safety information with shoppers and warning them about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. 

TUSCO TV