STAMFORD, CT – As Stamford residents prepare to enjoy the holiday season, the Mayor’s Office, Office of Public Safety, and Stamford Police Department (SPD) are doing their part to protect residents. In order to prevent drunk driving they will be implementing plans to enhance public safety through public awareness, better enforcement, and increased police visibility on Stamford roads.

Mayor David Martin highlighted the importance of building awareness in the community: “During the Holiday Season we want all residents to have fun, but more importantly, to be safe. We especially urge all parents to take the time and talk to their young adults about the dangers of underage drinking and the consequences of their actions,” said Mayor Martin.

The Stamford Police Department will work hard to keep the city’s roads safe. Sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols have been scheduled throughout the holiday season. Don’t drink and drive, stressed Police Chief Jon Fontneau.  

Ted Jankowski, Director of Public Safety added, “We need Stamford residents to help us reduce accidents by driving with extra caution this holiday season. If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 911 as this is a true emergency. Anyone who is consuming alcohol should never get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Too many lives have been lost and others ruined because of indiscretions.”

The Office of Public Safety, Health and Welfare provided the following message to residents:

The safety of our residents is a priority. We want to ensure that residents can enjoy their holiday without taking the risk of getting behind the wheel after drinking. For your safety and for the safety of others, when social plans involve alcohol, make arrangements so that you don’t have to drive.

If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver, offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

To avoid the possibility of severe consequences and to provide for your safety and the safety of others, the following are simple alternative courses of action.

1) Choose a Designated Driver

Prior to any drinking, designate a non-drinking driver when with family, friends or a group. If you are going out with friends, have one of your friends be responsible for driving for the evening. That friend avoids drinking and is able to drive everyone home safely.

2) Call a Cab or Uber

If you have been drinking, get a ride home or call a taxi or Uber. You can return for your vehicle the following day with no real problem. A small cab fee is much better than the potential cost of a DUI charge. When you go out, take the number for the cab company with you, or download and set up the Uber app so that you are prepared the moment that you want to go home.

Stamford Taxi                                                       203-325-2611

Eveready Cab                                                       203-967-3633

Independent Taxi                                                 203-968-6800

USA Taxi                                                               203-487-0007

3) Phone a Friend, Family Member or Parent  

Call a friend, family member or parent to pick you up. It might be a little bothersome, but nowhere near as embarrassing as asking them to bail you out of jail and a lot more convenient than a visit to the hospital or worse.

4) Public Transportation  

Take advantage of a wide variety of public transportation locations in Stamford that can be convenient to where you may be drinking alcohol.   

5) Stay with Family, Friends, or at a Hotel

Consider staying at a safe location with family, a friend or at a hotel.

6) Walking

You can choose a location within walking distance of your home, or choose a place near sleeping accommodations like a hotel or other location.  

Choosing to use these simple alternatives will have the advantage of avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol. Simply put, planning a little in advance will provide your safety, the safety of others and will allow you to enjoy the holiday season.