Saving lives this holiday season is the motivating force behind this latest effort to crack down on impaired drivers.
An increased enforcement effort is being conducted in conjunction with the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown and extends through the holidays to conclude Jan. 2.
Police agencies around the country will be participating in the crackdown. The initiative comes on the heels of a recent report that shows alcohol-related fatalities are on the decline.
“While we are encouraged to report that last year alcohol-impaired driving fatalities decreased nationwide nearly 5 percent, drunk driving is still one of America’s deadliest crimes. In 2010, 10,228 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. A total of 415 alcohol-impaired fatalities occurred during the second half of December alone,” according to Michael Witter, Region 5 administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“It is clear that our work is far from over.  Too many people continue to suffer tragic injuries and the loss of a loved one as a result of this serious crime,” Witter continued. “That is the reason why law enforcement agencies throughout the Midwest and nationwide will be intensifying enforcement efforts against drunk drivers this holiday weekend,” he continued.
“Police will be out in force making sure drunk drivers are off the road,” Witter said. “Our message to drivers is clear: if you decide to drink, find a safe and sober ride home or you will be pulled over.  No exceptions. No excuses.”