Nationwide enforcement program gets
strict on drinking and driving

Nationwide, a record number of 11,500 law enforcement agencies are participating in a coast-to-coast crackdown.

"We encourage anyone planning on drinking alcohol to be responsible and designate a sober driver", said National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator Jeffrey Runge, M.D. "With checkpoints, roving patrols, undercover officers and concerned citizens, chances are if you drive impaired this holiday you will be arrested, booked and prosecuted."

Impaired driving is one of America's most often committed and deadliest crimes. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Report, more than 1.4 million people nationwide were arrested in 2003 for driving under the influence.

Dr. Runge released NHTSA's 2004 state alcohol-related fatalities statistics. Nationally, nearly 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving at least a driver or motorcycle rider with an illegal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher.

Overall, alcohol-related fatalities declined by 2.4% in 2004 from 2003, the second consecutive year in which these fatalities have declined. A total of 32 States and the District of Columbia showed a decline in alcohol-related fatalities in 2004 from 2003.

NHTSA projects that 510 people will die in automobile crashes during the Labor Day holiday and about half of those crashes (260) will be alcohol-related.

The crackdown is complemented by a $13.9 million national advertising campaign that puts drivers on notice that if they drive impaired they will be caught and prosecuted. "Where better to unveil our new national advertisement than Times Square", said Administrator Jeffrey Runge, M.D. "In the midst of so many logos and ads, the most valuable message anyone can take away is You Drink & Drive. You Lose".

Driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 and above is illegal in every state," said Joseph Estey, President, International Association of Chiefs of Police. "It can cost violators over $8,000 on bail, court, a lawyer and towing fees instead of on their last summer vacation. Refuse a sobriety test and you can lose your license on the spot and have your car impounded."

Studies from NHTSA show that Americans support tougher enforcement and consider drunk driving an important social issue, ahead of health care, poverty, the environment and gun control. Nearly 97 percent of Americans view drinking and driving by others as a threat to their families and themselves. The majority of Americans also support increased enforcement efforts like sobriety checkpoints to protect innocent victims from impaired drivers.

"Nearly every half hour someone dies in an alcohol-related crash despite the fact that these tragedies are preventable," says MADD National President Glynn R. Birch. "High visibility enforcement is one of the single, most effective tools we have to reduce alcohol-related fatalities and injuries. We applaud the efforts of all law enforcement working the front lines of traffic safety to rid the roadways of drunk driving."

NHTSA reminds everyone of these lifesaving tips:

• Be responsible and don't risk it … you will be caught.

• If you plan on drinking, choose a designated driver before going out.

• Utilize mass transit, a taxicab, a bus or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

• Spend the night where the activity is being held.

• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.

• Always buckle up - this is your best defense against an impaired driver.