Cinco de Mayo: You can enjoy the margarita but keep the roads safe

We all know that Cinco de Mayo translates into margaritas and guacamole in the U.S. But what are we really celebrating? 

Cinco de Mayo History

Cinco de Mayo means "fifth of May" and is an annual celebration held on May 5th. The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza. Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day—the most important national holiday in Mexico—which is celebrated on September 16th. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in many parts of Mexico. In the U.S. there is a tradition of eating (tacos, of course) and drinking on this holiday.

Remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

If you plan on drinking at a Cinco de Mayo celebration somewhere other than your house, make sure you also plan on how you'll get home safely. Whether you're drinking margaritas at home or venturing out to a gathering with others, make sure you do not drink and drive.

Avoid a DUI: It's not worth even the smoothest tasting tequila

There’s no big secret to avoiding a DUI on these alcohol-focused holidays, just don’t drink and drive and you won’t have to worry. A great way to avoid drunk driving is to plan ahead. Your safe driving plan may include a designated driver, a taxi or public transportation, a ridesharing service, staying sober, or something else other than drinking and driving.

Let's taco 'bout driving sober

Drive sober or don’t drive. Enjoy the Mexican food. Have a Corona with a squeeze of lime, margaritas, or a tequila shot, but do so safely. And contact us at Smart Start of Alabama if you need help monitoring your alcohol consumption.