Do Not Become Just A Memory Memorial Day

The University of Southern California (USC) is reporting that alcohol sales have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic began, raising concerns among USC experts and others that the bottoms-up binge could come with a social cost.

As family and friends break free from shelter in place orders and begin to plan their Memorial Day celebration, we encourage you to plan while you can and designate a sober ride. Impairment begins with the first drink. Texas law enforcement officers will be out in force during the Memorial Day weekend looking for impaired drivers. Failing to drive sober immensely increases the chance of being arrested for a DWI.

“We want all the citizens of Fayette County to make it home safely this weekend. No one wins when you drink and drive or use impairing drugs and drive,” said Sally Garrett, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent for Family & Community Health.

Not only could you become a memory in someone’s life, you could also cost someone their life or cause serious, lifelong injuries. The financial burden of getting a DWI can run as high as $17,000 not to mention the emotional costs associated with a DWI.

Plan ahead by using a nondrinking driver or a taxi/ride-share service to get home safely. If that is not an option, sleep at a friend’s house. Planning ahead can make this Memorial Day a memorable weekend, while not planning ahead might turn it into a nightmare.

For information on free alcohol awareness programs available through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, watch UR BAC program in College Station, visit watchurbac.tamu. edu. or call (979) 862-1911.