2011 HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN

ENFORCEMENT VERSION

SAMPLE NEWS RELEASE

Note: Before filling in the names of the Organization and Organization Spokesperson, you MUST contact them to obtain their permission to use their names in this press release, and you must get their approval for the language of their quotations, and any changes or additions they may require. Only after this is done should you send out the press release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [Date]

CONTACT: [Name, Phone Number, Email]

There Are No Festivities in Jail

Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

[City, State]— As you celebrate the holiday season enjoying traditions, food, family and fun, be reminded that [Local Law Enforcement] will be out in force this holiday season from December 16, 2011, to January 2, 2012, to arrest anyone caught driving drunk behind the wheel.

“The message is simple, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle,” said [Local Law Enforcement officer].

Unfortunately millions of drivers on America’s highways still think they are invincible, and they choose to jeopardize their safety and the safety of others on our roads, he said.

“There will be no spreading holiday cheer behind the bars of a jail cell,” [Local Law Enforcement Official] said. “Don’t let your 2011 holiday season 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.”

In December 2009, there were 753 people killed in crashes that involved drivers or motorcycle riders with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.

[Local Leader or Organization] recommends these simple tips for a safe holiday season:

§  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;

§  Use your community’s sober ride program [insert your local sober ride specifics here];

§  If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement; and

§  And remember, Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take that person’s keys and help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.

For more information, please visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.

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