Ken Melnyk,
Fire Chief,
Town of High Prairie
The High Prairie and Big Lakes County Traffic Safety Coalition, and the High Prairie Fire Department members, wish to send a reminder to everyone to celebrate safely this holiday season.

December is designated as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. We invite families, educators, health care providers, and community leaders to promote responsible decision-making and encourage young people to live free of drugs and alcohol. Impaired driving includes distracted driving, drugged driving, and drunk driving.

Why do we recognize National Impaired Driving Prevention Month? Well, from the fire department and first responders standpoint, it is devastating to respond to a motor vehicle accident only to find that the driver was impaired by alcohol or by drugs. In so many of our emergency calls the other parties involved in the crash are innocent folks with small children just driving down the road.

Please remember, the first responders who tend to your accident will never forget the disaster and devastation that you caused and for as long as they live you will be marked as the person who caused it. Do you want to be labeled as this person?

All drivers must understand that drugged driving is as dangerous as drunk driving and that driving under the influence of certain prescription medications is considered impaired driving. As with a drunk driver, never ride in a car with a driver you suspect is under the influence.

If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel!

If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement!

Your actions may save someone’s life, and your inaction could cost a life.

Families play an essential part in stopping impaired driving. By talking about the risks and setting clear expectations, parents and other caregivers can help their children stay safe, sober, and focused on the road.

Please have a safe holiday season.