The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) joined with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Governors Highway Safety Association and local law enforcement officers to kick off this year’s holiday season “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
In 2011 9,878 people were killed in drunk driving accidents, 375 of which occurred in the second half of December. Although the statistics do demonstrate a decline from previous years in 27 states, with Texas leading the nation in improvements, some other states like Colorado, Florida and New Jersey showed vast increases in drunk driving fatalities.
“Thanks to the hard work of safety advocates and law enforcement officers across the country we’re seeing declines in drunk driving deaths in many parts of the country – but there is still more work to do,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “Ultimately, personal responsibility is critical to improving roadway safety and we urge all motorists to be responsible this holiday season and never, ever drive drunk.”
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is being supported by more than $7 million in national television and radio advertising designed to raise drunk driving awareness, which premiered last summer. “High visibility enforcement efforts, like the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ ad campaign, are a critical part of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving,” said MADD National President Jan Withers. “MADD is proud to join with NHTSA and law enforcement in urging everyone to make a sober designated driver a part of their plans this holiday season.”
NHTSA urges drivers to plan ahead this holiday season, and to arrange alternate rides if necessary. If you see a driver who appears to be impaired on the road, call local law enforcement. If you are arrested this holiday season for driving under the influence, it is important that you get in touch with a DUI defense lawyer to find out your options an ensure that you get the best outcome. Holiday DUI checkpoints will be increased across the country so if you plan on drinking,be responsible and have a designated sober driver.