CURWENSVILLE – The Clearfield County DUI Strike Force and North Central Highway Safety Network spoke to adults and children on Saturday about bicycle safety and the dangers of drug and alcohol impairment.
Adults and children learned the risks of riding a bicycle without a helmet or with one that is not properly fitted. Presentations also included information on how to ride bicycles safely.
Attendees were reminded of the following bicycle safety tips:
- Wear light-colored, reflective clothing so you can be seen;
- Wear an approved helmet and other protective gear;
- Ride of the right side of the road;
- Signal your intensions in advance;
- Consider attending training to obtain the skills necessary to ride safely on the road; and
- Remember, it is illegal for a motorist to force a bicyclist off of the road. Criminal charges will be enforced.
Driving or riding with anyone who is under the influence of drugs and alcohol is extremely dangerous. During the event, participants were invited to take a pledge against this behavior, and sign a crashed car that was on display.
Additionally, to reinforce how impairment may affect vision, the distracted and impaired driving simulator was on hand. The simulator offered a hands-on look at what it is like to drive in many types of conditions, including: snow, fog and heavy traffic. It also simulates the effects of impaired driving.
Police also offered key safety messages including:
- Crashes involving DUI are entirely preventable. Motorists should keep their families, themselves, and other motorists safe by designating a driver or not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- A drug is any substance (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the human body. Emphasizing that many drugs are against the law, and illegal drugs are especially dangerous when combined with driving.
- Pennsylvania has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy when it comes to underage drinking and driving, meaning that the slightest trace of alcohol or possession of alcohol has serious future ramifications.