The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with law enforcement organizations to stop drunk drivers and save lives.
The 2017 national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is in effect across the country from August 16 to September 4.
“During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving,” stated the NHTSA. “Increased state and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with enforcement and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways.”
According to NHTSA, 10,265 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2015, an increase from the 9,967 people killed in 2014. Over the Labor Day holiday period in 2015, there were 460 crash fatalities nationwide, 40% of which involved drivers who had been drinking (.01+ BAC).
Below are NHTSA’s recommended safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.
- Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app that allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up.
- Use your community’s sober ride program.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
- Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
