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By Daniel Baxter |
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December 31, 2010 - Americans across the country are planning their New Year's celebrations. But during this exciting time of parties and resolutions, it's important to keep safety in mind. The fact is, New Year's Eve can be one of the most dangerous nights of the year on our nation's roadways because of drunk and impaired driving. How big is the problem? In 2008, over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
11,773 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving
crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (32%) of all
traffic-related deaths in the |
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Of the 216
child passengers ages 14 and younger who died in
alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2008, about half (99) were
riding in the vehicle with an alcohol-impaired driver. In 2009
alone, 10,839 people were killed in drunk driving crashes,
representing 32 percent of all traffic fatalities for the year.
That's why DOT's annual "Over the Limit, Under Arrest" winter
holiday crackdown is currently under way, helping to raise
awareness and get drunk drivers off the streets.
Every day,
32 people in the
Law
enforcement officers across the country are stepping up
visibility and increasing vigilance as part of the campaign. And
the new "No Refusal" initiative DOT is promoting nationwide will
help ensure that drivers suspected of being under the influence
will face the strictest penalties possible for their actions. But ultimately, putting a stop to drunk driving begins with personal responsibility. Organizations like MADD have told us the stories for years, of a fun evening out with friends that took a tragic turn because someone made the poor decision to drink and drive. |
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