I am Deputy George Bradbury. I work for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. I am a resident of Harpswell. I live and work among you.
This month’s words are “happy holidays.” It is a wonderful time of year to see old friends and family during the holiday season. There are a lot of celebrations and parties for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and a large number of dedicated law enforcement officers are out trying to keep the roads safe for travel.
A bad part of the holidays is drinking and driving, or, as the law describes it, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Be nice to yourself and others and don’t do it.
You don’t need the cost of an OUI — the fines, loss of license, lawyer fees, and higher insurance premiums for years after a conviction can amount to thousands of dollars. That doesn’t include damage to your vehicle if you crash while impaired. God forbid you get injured or injure someone else — maybe your loved one who is with you.
Your family and friends want you at the party this year and next year and for many years to come! Don’t ruin it by drinking too much and then getting hurt or worse. Drink less and enjoy your family and friends. It is a special time of year.
How do you avoid an OUI? Plan ahead. Have a sober driver, call a taxi or Uber, make a plan to have a sober friend pick you up, or stay where you are if possible. If you know you can’t handle alcohol, then don’t drink at all. Be a driver for those who want to drink. There is no reason to drive drunk, ever. Plan ahead, then stick to the plan.
If you are hosting a party or event, be a good host. Take keys. Make sure people have a plan or a driver. Have friends at the ready to drive your other friends home after the party. Many people are willing to get others home safely.
If someone leaves a party or event drunk or is driving drunk, call for assistance. You may save their life or other people’s lives. Don’t let their bad choice ruin their holidays or anyone else’s. Please keep our roads safe.
Next month: Cheers to a new year.
If you would like to suggest a subject, please email me at bradbury@cumberlandcounty.org. I have received numerous suggestions. Please be patient. You may see your suggestions here in the future.
Remember, let’s be safe out there! And don’t get voted off the islands.
Fine print: The views above are the views of Deputy George Bradbury, not of the town of Harpswell or the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
