The Hawai’i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section organized a sign-waving event on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo on Wednesday (February 2) to remind motorists about the dangers of drinking and driving in light of the upcoming Super Bowl weekend.

The Traffic Services Section was supported by community police officers, an officer of the Traffic Enforcement Unit, members of the Impaired Driving Task Force, students from Hawai’i Community College’s Administration of Justice Class, Avis Yoshioka with HCC students involved in the Underage Drinking Prevention program, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Coordinator Debbie Roberts and some private citizens. They delivered the key message for this event: “Fans don’t let Fans Drive Drunk.”

The traffic fatality count for 2010 was 28, six more than for 2009. More than half of those fatalities involved alcohol, drugs or both. Therefore, once again the motorists were reminded that police are enforcing “Over the limit – under arrest” all year long and especially on special events and holidays.

Dieter Blattler, traffic safety coordinator at the Hawai’i Police Department, pointed out again that it doesn’t take much to exceed the lawful blood alcohol limit of 0.08 percent. “Therefore,” he said, “if you drink and don’t have a sober, licensed designated driver, don’t take a chance—take a taxi!”