LETTER: Find a hero to do the driving

This is the first in a series of short essays on Somerset County’s efforts to help residents combat drinking and driving and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday safely.

In my work at EmPoWER Somerset, a non-profit organization that assists individuals and families in making positive lifestyle choices and fosters healthy, drug-free communities through education, collaboration and linkages to resources, I was surprised to learn that Thanksgiving eve (not New Year's Eve as I had originally guessed) is the holiday associated with the highest rates of drinking and driving.

In planning your celebrations this year, please don’t overlook one important detail in the excitement of the season ... what is your plan for getting home safely? A designated driver is a person who does not drink at all for the evening — not the least intoxicated person in your party. If you have managed to drive home safely after a few drinks in the past, be cautious of developing a false sense of security.

Alcohol-related accidents are 100 percent preventable. Make the decision not to drive before your judgment is clouded by alcohol. The HERO Campaign is one way to plan ahead through friends helping one another by pledging to be the designated driver — not drinking any alcohol for the evening.

In collaboration with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and Safe Communities Coalition of Somerset County, EmPoWER Somerset has partnered with Somerset County several bars and restaurants to participate in the HERO Campaign this Thanksgiving weekend. The local participating establishments will be distributing HERO wristbands to designated drivers. The individuals who request wristbands and do not drink for the evening will also receive free soft drinks. Ride Home 2Nite is a similar effort that provides quick access to a listing of local taxis customized for smart phone display and one-click dialing.

Information about these community resources can be easily accessed by computer or smart phone at empowersomerset.com. From the home page, click the HERO Campaign icon for more details about the program and the Somerset County establishments participating this year. Click the Safe Communities logo for a variety of prevention initiatives in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Click the “Get Home Safely” icon for a link to the Ride Home 2Nite local taxis, their hours and contact information.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season, and please celebrate safely.

Brenda M. Esler

Executive Director

EmPoWER Somerset