Sheriff Reuel Todd Says Enjoy a Happy Holiday Season by Using a Designated Driver

The holiday season is upon us and it's a popular time of the year for people to socialize - typically with alcohol. Partygoers, far too often, act irresponsibly by getting behind the wheel after drinking too much.

Oswego County Sheriff Reuel A. Todd reminds drivers that auto accidents represent the greatest single cause of death for every age group within the ages of five and twenty-seven. Of these accidents, as many as 50 percent are alcohol related, particularly during the holiday season.

“Busy roadways throughout the holidays always increase the risk of more drunken drivers. Impaired driving is the most frequently committed crime in America. In order for the roadways to become a safer place, it is vital for individuals to know their own personal limits when it comes to celebrating this festive season. Prior to making the decision to drink, people must consider the possible outcome of their actions,” said Sheriff Todd.

It's impossible to predict when an alcohol-related accident will occur, but there are many precautions drivers can take to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of an alcohol-related traffic accident.

Precautions to take if you are hosting a party:

• Encourage guests to carpool with other guests and ask them to designate a driver who will agree to abstain from alcohol
  
  
• Serve non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers. This will make them feel like they are still part of the festivities
  
  
• Serve a large amount of light foods. Some foods, especially those high in fat such as meats and cheeses, retard alcohol absorption
  
  
• Prior to the party, encourage guests who plan to celebrate with holiday “cheer” to spend the night
  
  
• Always be responsible for your guests. If necessary, take car keys away from them. They may be angry with you at the time, but will most likely thank you after they sober up

Precautions to take with a drunk driver on the road:

• If you suspect a drunk driver is traveling behind you, allow for the car to pass by turning right at the nearest intersection
  
  
• In the case of a possible head-on collision, pull over to the shoulder and stop. Use your horn and flash your lights to get the driver's attention
  
  
• Always try to maintain a safe distance
  
  
• Don't try to pass - the drunk driver might swerve into you
  
  
• Expect the unexpected when approaching an intersection. It's a good idea to dramatically decrease your speed, or to stop
  
  
• Get the drunk driver's license plate number, get to a phone, and immediately report it to your local law enforcement agency

Sheriff Todd wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season and asks that everyone keep in mind the above list of precautions that can assure a safe holiday season.

Oswego County Sheriff Advises Caution When Using ATM's This Holiday Season

“ATM cards serve as a popular method to access bank accounts for cash, and with that convenience, come certain risks. ATM machines can be an attractive opportunity for criminals and ATM users need to follow some common sense rules,” says Sheriff Reuel A. Todd.

With the holidays approaching, the use of ATM cards will increase. At the same time, cash-generating crimes such as burglary, robbery and mugging, historically increase during the holidays.

Sheriff Todd asks that you keep the following suggestions in mind when using ATM machines:

When using a walk-up ATM:

• Always OBSERVE your surroundings before conducting a transaction
  
  
• If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another ATM
  
  
• When possible, take a companion along, especially at night
  
  
• Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready to use
  
  
• Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the terminal so that others cannot see your code or transaction amount
  
  
• If you see anyone or anything suspicious while conducting a transaction, cancel your transaction and leave
  
  
• Do not count cash at the machine - wait until you are home or in a safe place
  
  
• If you are followed after making an ATM transaction, go immediately to a heavily populated, well-lighted area and call the police

Security at Drive-Up ATM's:

• Keep your engine running, the doors locked, and the windows up at all times when waiting in line
  
  
• When possible, leave enough room between cars to allow for a quick exit should it become necessary
  
  
• Before rolling down the window to use the ATM machine, check the entire area for anything or anyone suspicious
  
  
• Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready to use
  
  
• Do not count cash at the machine - wait until you are home or in a safe place

Keeping hour ATM card secure:

• Treat your ATM card like cash
  
  
• Keep your “secret code” a secret
  
  
• Do not give out any information over the telephone
  
  
• Report a lost or stolen card at once
  
  
• Check your receipts against your monthly statement to guard against ATM fraud

These precautions will greatly reduce your chances of being the victim of a crime. You are strongly urged you to consider these suggestions when using your ATM card at an ATM machine.

Sheriff Todd wishes you all a very safe and enjoyable holiday season.