Home for the holidays. That's the name of the campaign with the state troopers here this morning with all the details, is the public affairs officer, Trooper Jose Watson, hello to your home for the holidays. I love the name of the campaign, because that's what you do so passionately: bringing people home safely. And we're talking about New Year's Eve. There's a lot of activity around New Year's Eve activities and celebrations, but we still want to make sure people get home safely. What should we keep in mind? New Year's is just the most exciting time of the year, because you come out of this year into 2024, you know, looking at 2020, we're excited. We are excited. You know, we celebrate. We are doing a big countdown. And I just want you to know that we're going to come out strong. We are also going to celebrate the New Year. But with your celebration, you have some responsibility. Get your designated driver. I don't know we have a lot of freebies here at Uber or the Texan. I know we have a friend and cousins who absolutely call them. They don't drink. They might have gone to church that night while you were going to COVID, but call them and say, hey, come pick me up, because I think I had one drink too many. It will save someone's life, and it might save a family member's life this new year. So I know a lot of people are going to make New Year's resolutions, and one thing we want to do is make a resolution to not drink and get behind the wheel of a vehicle. You know, I know in some of our rural areas, I patrol sometimes, and I find that in rural areas there are people driving drunk every day, but I want you to know that one day you might get cold. We are human beings too and we like to have fun, interact and meet people without the people we are protecting, but at the same time we have a job to do and we want everyone to be safe this holiday season. , especially during the New Year. Do you think there is a big misconception between drinking too much. No one, you haven't had too much, because I think we can all agree, the bankruptcy that's driving you, and I've talked about this before, that kind of questionable line, you're not thinking clearly, but it's still too much. Still too much. And a lot of people say: I'm not drunk, I'm fine. I can still walk in a straight line, but that still doesn't mean you can drive a vehicle safely, because that's not how it feels. That's what the law says, which is the level of impairment you have to drive. So if you alter it in accordance with the law, and that is to say if you exceed a point 08 which is double the Olympic BAC for an adult, if you exceed a point 08, the law says that you will weaken and you will have to ask your father to prove your innocence. But at the same time, we have to do work. And let me tell you, you'll spend at least eight hours in jail, because if you break this law, it's expensive, I mean you're talking about a fine of at least $1,000 to spend the night in jail . And then there is the impact on the files of the shortage of jobs and future opportunities. Yes, this offense will result in the loss of your driving license, your license will be suspended. So there are a lot of repercussions and things that come with driving and having a DUI. And of course, our teenagers, just a word for them. You know, if you're under 21, your tolerance level is even lower. It's point 02 so you get a quote at some point and then you go in with point 02, BAC. You know, that's one reason why it's a DUI. Sure, we probably won't lock you up and put you in jail, but you'll have that criminal record and your parents will have to come get you. So this is not the way we want to start the new year, nor is it the way we want to start the new year with DUI. And you're trying to go to college, you know there's a misdemeanor on your record. One mistake can cost you everything. So let's be careful, because at the end of the day, when this accident happens, one way or another it ends in a death, I'm the one who has to come to the door of this family, to their home, at this time of the morning. or at night, and telling them their family members aren't coming home, and that's a part of the job I don't enjoy or like doing. What part of the calling is upon our lives that we must do? So let's not put me in a position where we have to break this kind of news to your family. And let's all be safe. And if you're responsible for yourself and your friends, let them know. Take the keys you don't drive. I'm not driving tonight. You've had too much. Let me drive so we can get home safely and thank you so much for helping us get home for the holidays, which again is the name of the campaign. Joining us this morning to help us stay safe on Mississippi's highways is Public Affairs O.officer Private Hose Watson.
