SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) \u2014 As families prepare to gather in thanks, and many start to create their Christmas lists, Lackawanna County officials warn against losing focus of what\u2019s important: safety.<\/p>\n
The Lackawanna County Highway Safety Department, in conjunction with PennDOT hosted a holiday public safety conference at Giseinger CMC on Monday morning. <\/p>\n
The conference focused on the choices drivers make when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. <\/p>\n
That choice could be the difference between life and death, according to Shawn Noonan, regional program administrator for the Pennsylvania DUI Association.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not something we\u2019re forced to do. I want people to realize that $12 of $15 cost of a rideshare is worth it upfront to prevent you from a lifetime of consequences,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A lifetime of consequences, and a hefty bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe signs used to be out there saying, \u2018DUI, you can\u2019t afford it.\u2019 Safely, you\u2019re looking at $25,000 for your average DUI arrest,\u201d said Noonan.<\/p>\n
Driving under the influence includes more than just driving drunk.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith medical marijuana becoming prevalent, and some of the other prescription substances out there that people are using to treat certain medical conditions. People don\u2019t realize the hazards of driving on the medication they take all day,\u201d said Noonan.<\/p>\n
Drunk and high drivers aren\u2019t the only ones making poor decisions on the road, as Eileen Miller knows all too well.<\/p>\n