Emergency officials urge people to drink responsibly this memorial day weekend
Hundreds of thousands of people across Delmarva will be celebrating this Memorial Day Weekend with cookouts, beach trips, and of course alcohol. But while you're enjoying the holiday, emergency officials want to remind you to drink responsibly.
"They think that they're okay and they may think that they can drive and they'll go ahead and drive and that poor choice makes a huge impact on not only their life, but everyone else around them. It's not just their families; it may be other families especially if it involves another vehicle," said EMS and and nurse liaison Doug Walters.
Officials say the holiday is one of their busiest times of the year dealing with drunk driving and boating, and dozens of other alcohol related accidents.
"That's where our concerns are with driving or if someone is in a hotel and they're on a balcony, you're not going to have the same reservations you might've had if you were completely sober," said Salisbury Police Department Lieutenant Ryan Koerner.
"The dangers are there as well. It might not be what you're doing, it could be the other boat that comes into contact with yours that may have been under the influence of alcohol and out in the sun you're playing in the water you may feel that you're fine but you really are not," said Walters.
Health officials say just one sip of beer, wine, or whisky, can stay in your body for up to two hours. And once it enters your bloodstream it effects nearly every organ and system in your body.
"Alcohol really slows your responses, your thought processes, it will slow down your response if you're driving a car, your reaction time to be able to break, it really slows things down," said Walters.
Now, officials say they'll be out in full force this weekend as they prepare to take on the masses.
"We're out there just to make sure that people are safe and that we do recommend that you have a good time, but they need to take some considerations, and they don't want to jeopardize their life or the lives of others who are on the road ," said Delaware State Police Sergeant Richard Bratz.
Emergency officials also add that you should plan a safe way home before the festivities begin, and If you are impaired call a sober friend or family member,or use public transportation to ensure you get home safely.
Health officials also want to remind you that if you see cars or ambulances coming down the road with lights and sirens always move to your right to allow them to pass.
