2009Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

GOAL/POSITIONING: Drunk driving by women warrants national attention. According to FBI research, there was an increasing trend among women driving impaired in a number of States. There has also been a significant increase in arrests for drunk driving among women over the last ten years. Based on NHTSA research, increases occurred in certain parts of the nation and highlighted the number of alcohol-impaired female drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2008 compared to the 2007. We know that the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in drunk driving. That is whyduring the month of December, Local Organization is joining with hundreds of other state and local law enforcement and highway safety officials to get drunk drivers off of the roads, and remind motorists and motorcycle riders this holiday season that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

KEY MESSAGES:

Drunk driving is dangerous, regardless of gender

  • In 2008 during the month of December, 3,074 people were killed in crashes on America’s

roadways. Out of that number, 888 people were killed in crashes that involved a driver or

motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

  • Overall, about 2,500 fatalities a year involved an impaired female driver.
  • In December of 2008, 19% of the female drivers who were killed in traffic crashes had a BAC of .08 and higher.

Remember Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. The results from drinking and driving can end up costly no matter how many drinks you’ve had.

  • The FBI shows that arrests for women driving under the influence increased by nearly 30

percent (28.8%) over the 10-year period from 1998 to 2007.

  • Refusalof a sobriety test in many jurisdictions can result in the lossof your license

on the spot and your car can also be impounded.

  • Don’t forget the embarrassment and humiliation of informing family, friends and

employers.

  • Violators often face jail time, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses—including attorney’s fees, court costs, car towing, repairs, and lost work time.

Don’t ever get behind a wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired. Here are some preventative measures so your Holiday season will not be ruined:

  • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
  • Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;
  • If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;Use your community’s Sober Rides program [insert your local Sober Rides specifics here];
  • Wear your seat belt while in a car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle as these are your best defenses against an impaired driver;
  • If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.

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