KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwire - December 28, 2010) - As party-goers celebrate the holidays with friends and family, everyone should heed this strong advice from local law enforcement officials: keep the party off the road or be ready to face the consequences. Law enforcement will be out in force throughout the holidays cracking down on anyone caught driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
"After hearing about the dangers of drinking and driving time after time, most people have gotten the message; if they're planning on drinking, they should plan a safe way home," said Romell Cooks, Regional Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Region 7. "But sadly, millions of Americans still think they are invincible and regularly choose to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink."
In December 2009, 753 people were killed in crashes that involved a driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
"We know that the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America's roadways due to an increase in drunk driving," said Ms. Cooks. "Don't let your 2010 end in an arrest or worse, death. Remember, whether you've had way too many or just one too many, it's not worth the risk!"
Remember these simple tips for a safe holiday season:
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
- If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
- Use your community's Sober Rides program;
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
- And remember, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Ginny Vineyard
816.456.5302