CHANGE MY LOCATION
Alcohol-related traffic deaths up 37 percent in the District
SEE THE LATEST ON THIS STORY
Related Topics: WASHINGTON
)
Police officers from around the region joined together at a news conference Wednesday for the “Drunk Driving. Over The Limit. Under Arrest.” campaign in Gaithersburg. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration held the news conference at the Montgomery County Police and Fire Training Academy to introduce what’s being touted as the “biggest crackdown on drunken driving in U.S. history.” This multi-jurisdictional effort begins this week.
WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Law enforcement officials said alcohol was involved in 26 traffic deaths in the District in 2005, a nearly 37 percent increase from the 19 recorded in 2004, according to a new report released Wednesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
And most disturbing, officials say, is that 15 of the 26 deaths involved drivers with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 — nearly double the legal limit — or higher, marking a 50 percent increase over 2004.
The trend comes as other local jurisdictions have seen drunken driving deaths plummet, including a 71.9 percent decrease in Montgomery County, a 21.1 percent drop in Fairfax County and a 27.5 decrease in Prince George’s County.
D.C. police Lt. Byron Hope said because the total number is relatively low, any fatality can significantly increase the percentage. He emphasized, however, that any deaths as a result of alcohol are inexcusable.
“We have increased checkpoints along the borders and really created a regional team to stop drunk drivers before an accident occurs,” Hope said. “Because it just takes one time to ruin a lot of people’s lives.”
Hope said he does not have specific numbers, but said the daily influx of tourists and workers flowing in from the suburbs does create a tough enforcement environment.
“It’s hard for us to pinpoint where the problems are because the places people come from and where they’re going changes everyday,” Hope said. “All I can say is, no matter where you’re from, if you have a few drinks take the subway, the bus or a cab.”
The study was released as NHTSA kicks off an unprecedented $11 million national informational campaign aimed at stemming drunk driving. The ads, which began running on television, radio and the Internet on Wednesday night, are aimed at the biggest offenders, men between 21 and 34 years old. The demographic is involved in nearly 33 percent of all alcohol-related traffic deaths nationally and more than 50 percent in the District, officials said.
mrupert@dcexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
12:25 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 22, 2008 re: "Man arrested for ‘stealing’ own car"
Report as inappropriate
6:20 PM MST on Sat., Aug. 9, 2008
re: "Bill aims to outlaw paintball, BB, pellet guns in Baltimore"
Report as inappropriate
9:58 PM MST on Wed., Jul. 9, 2008
re: "Solving crime with a skeleton police force"
Report as inappropriate
5:21 AM MST on Mon., Jun. 30, 2008
re: "Carroll County pair killed in Baltimore"
Report as inappropriate
8:01 AM MST on Wed., Jun. 11, 2008
re: "Cocaine-filled rock guitars seized at BWI"
Report as inappropriate
11:47 AM MST on Mon., Apr. 28, 2008
re: "Female prisoner kills herself in D.C. Jail"
Report as inappropriate
7:35 PM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008
re: "U.S. attorney hires former supervisor"
Report as inappropriate
9:23 AM MST on Thu., Apr. 24, 2008
re: "U.S. attorney hires former supervisor"
Report as inappropriate
12:47 PM MST on Wed., Apr. 23, 2008
re: "Bill aims to outlaw paintball, BB, pellet guns in Baltimore"
Report as inappropriate
1:07 PM MST on Wed., Mar. 26, 2008
re: "Former police chief wants pardon, old job back"
Report as inappropriate
11:44 PM MST on Sun., Feb. 17, 2008
re: "Drug tests to be used determine cause of Pasadena man’s death"
Report as inappropriate
12:08 PM MST on Sat., Feb. 16, 2008
re: "Solving crime with a skeleton police force"
Report as inappropriate
7:25 AM MST on Sat., Feb. 16, 2008
re: "Solving crime with a skeleton police force"
Report as inappropriate
11:39 PM MST on Sun., Feb. 10, 2008
re: "Three arrested in fatal Dundalk shooting"
Report as inappropriate
5:11 PM MST on Tue., Feb. 5, 2008
re: "Former police chief wants pardon, old job back"
Report as inappropriate
12:42 PM MST on Thu., Jan. 31, 2008
re: "Dad charged with killing baby"
Report as inappropriate
6:16 PM MST on Thu., Jan. 17, 2008
re: "Police arrest 12 people, seize drugs, guns in monthlong sting"
Report as inappropriate
5:53 AM MST on Sat., Dec. 22, 2007
re: "Body ID’d as missing teenager"
Report as inappropriate
4:23 PM MST on Wed., Dec. 19, 2007
re: "Man charged with murdering wife"
Report as inappropriate
9:18 PM MST on Mon., Dec. 10, 2007
re: "Third suspect named in attempted robbery that preceded officer’s shooting"
Report as inappropriate
11:20 AM MST on Wed., Nov. 7, 2007
re: "Rash of killings worries residents of Park Heights neighborhood"
Report as inappropriate
11:07 AM MST on Wed., Nov. 7, 2007
re: "Rash of killings worries residents of Park Heights neighborhood"
Report as inappropriate
8:35 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007
re: "Police: Woodlawn murder committed by neighbor"
Report as inappropriate
5:31 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007
re: "Former police chief wants pardon, old job back"
Report as inappropriate
8:12 PM MST on Sun., Oct. 21, 2007
re: "Judge: Carroll residents turn blind eye to child abuse"
Report as inappropriate
6:47 AM MST on Sun., Oct. 21, 2007
re: "Mom: Cops killed son, roughed her up"
Report as inappropriate
6:47 AM MST on Sun., Oct. 21, 2007
re: "Mom: Cops killed son, roughed her up"
Report as inappropriate
11:09 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 1, 2007
re: "Severna Park neighbors: Convicted child molester received a light sentence"
Report as inappropriate
7:54 AM MST on Fri., Aug. 31, 2007
re: "Hair, blood found under suspect’s car may not go to trial"
Report as inappropriate
8:27 PM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007
re: "Scathing audit criticizes state police"
Report as inappropriate
11:02 AM MST on Mon., Aug. 27, 2007
re: "Police say Severn woman lied about being raped"
Report as inappropriate
2:44 PM MST on Tue., Aug. 21, 2007
re: "DNA evidence could break unsolved 1974 homicide"
Report as inappropriate
2:48 AM MST on Tue., Jul. 24, 2007
re: "State Dept. official, international jeweler indicted"
Report as inappropriate
2:46 AM MST on Sun., Jul. 15, 2007
re: "Drug tests to be used determine cause of Pasadena man’s death"
Report as inappropriate
2:45 PM MST on Thu., Jul. 12, 2007
re: "Suspects arrested for throwing party in Harris Teeter dairy cooler"
Report as inappropriate
9:44 PM MST on Wed., Jun. 27, 2007
re: "Man arrested for ‘stealing’ own car"
Report as inappropriate
Examiner Reader said:
I am sorry that happen to you what's this world really comming to. We need jesue.
1 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
That's clever. Ban BB guns and Paintball Guns (which look nothing like real guns), but don't ban replicas. Hell, REAL guns cost less than most paintball guns....so why in the hell would anyone use a paintball gun to commit a robbery?
8 agree | 5 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
The only CRIME that has been solved in San Carlos is The FRAUD and EMBEZZLEMENT BY THE MAYOR ...
382 agree | 7 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
I remember you fondly, Jennifer Morelock. You had a good heart, and it lives on in your daughter.
12 agree | 8 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
if you sell them guitars i will buy them for 2000
10 agree | 10 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
It amazes me that the D.C. Jail is still up and running. With all of the deaths, suicides, and unsanitary conditions...it should have been torn down years ago. How many strikes will these C.O's and other officials have to get before something is really done about it?
14 agree | 14 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
I see some investigations starting at City Hall.
16 agree | 15 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
We'd just pried this Republican sleazebag from her fixation on the public teat last year and whaddya know, she's back again in yet another job for which she is wholly unqualified. One dirty hand washes the other.
19 agree | 14 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
yes outlaw toy guns i mean if your going to get robed you want a real gun pointed at you come on people its a way for (most) people vent there anger
14 agree | 14 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
no he should not be able to get his job back.. what does that do for the justice department....he did the crime and should suffer for what he did... he was aware of what he was doing.....then he used the money on pointless things................ if he gets his job back thats going to open doors for other people to do the same thing.....just to say if he wouldnt have gotten court who knows he might still be stealing money today.......
16 agree | 18 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
A more truthful explanation of this man's death is from witnesses who saw from their own houses. After the man was beaten at the house he was at the cops jumped on him, he was seen on the ground being kicked by officers before his death. The police refused to let the ambulance drive to the scence, which was waiting there before his death. The medics were forced to run about a whole block with their equipment and the stretcher. Too sad, the cops beat the man to death and get away with it. As for the ladder part of this story, I was there myself to see.
128 agree | 113 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Until 6 months ago, the Taraval Station, which covers 1/4 of San Francisco, had 0 cops on the street. I guess a 6 billion dollar city budget only allowed enough officers for the desk jobs. However, kudos to new Taraval police captain Chignell for recognizing the crisis and rapidly hiring new officers.
141 agree | 121 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
scout said:
Simple solution, don't hire women for police officers and don't hire girlie boys as police officers. Secondary solution is that we need intelligent but aggressive police officers in combination with fear of God, with the additional ingredient of getting rid of commie and girlie organizations that protect criminals and weaken police. But I guess I'm dreaming.
119 agree | 137 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
all three men found guilty and will be in jail for life this man is dearly missed by 10 grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren plus a large number of friends
231 agree | 151 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Ex-Corrections officer said:
Yes, I fee that Ed Norris should be able to get his job back, he got the job done and reduced crime. O'Mally took kick backs he just didn't get caught. Then he snitched on Norris.
145 agree | 158 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
will there be a follow up on the story of the dad charged with the killing baby. the article was written on march 2nd 2007. thank you
159 agree | 158 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Breanna said:
Where did you catch them at?
172 agree | 186 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Thats my brother i thank the people who found him and i miss him very much i love you Zack!!!!
294 agree | 211 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
kyle toronto said:
the 11 year old rides my bus she said that if her mom got a divorce with her da he's kill her/beat her
258 agree | 261 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Vernon Brown's sentencing trial is next week. Why hasn't any reporter found out why the pair of cousins were trying to rob the store in the first place, what would drive two grown men to the point of no return. no one cares why people commit crimes, just what happened and who died. then its on to the next death. When will journalist dig further to uncover the horror that must be happening in young men's lives that motivates them to go to such lengths. Rest In Peace LeArnold Jones. We love you.
275 agree | 288 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
What are the cops doing in this city? We need to be more proactive where drugs and violence are concerned. They know where drugs are being sold.There are so many police cameras in this city. The drug peddlers have just moved to a street where ther is no camera, but they are still out there. For instance in Park Heights on Hayward ave between PArk heights and Reisterstown Rd everyday you see drug dealers lining the street corner every block 2 by 2 selling. It is outrageous. And worse than that there is police precinct less that 3miles away. Sometimes I think the some cops are being paid by some of these drug dealers to turn a blind eye. Something better needs to be done and it can be done, it's not rocket science. We have brilliant heads in our government let's get them working together and get things done. We can be more and do more in Baltimore. very concerned resident of B'more.
308 agree | 313 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
It is unfortunate that nobody knows what is happening, and the citizens of this city are suppose to trust their elected officials. It is shameful that more isn't been done to combat the drug and murders in our city that can be great again.
386 agree | 310 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
We lost our uncle on saturday oct,20,in the seccion of white marsh,fernando rodriguez, hispanic male 33 years of age,light skin complecion,large mouth,short salt & pepper hair,carrying a new iphone, and driving a 1999 toyota sienna,light gr with penn plates any whereabouts of him or the minivan please contact your local police
461 agree | 353 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
how can we the people help ed norris get his job back he was railroaded .i think hes one of the good gys.others have done alot worse and didnt get as much as ed norris did.
440 agree | 325 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
The judge in this article, has placed four children, that I personally know of, if homes with abusive fathers over a loving home with their mothers. He is racist and a misogenist. May he burn in hell for the children's lives he has destroyed, he cannot make it up to them by his "good works" for "Voices for Children".
391 agree | 330 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
In this article it doesn't seem to mention that he held a gun to the girlfriend's head and was going to kill her dad. He also told the girlfriend he was going to kill himself. WOW let's just leave out what mom doesn't want you to know.
375 agree | 315 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
In this article it doesn't seem to mention that he held a gun to the girlfriend's head and was going to kill her dad. He also told the girlfriend he was going to kill himself. WOW let's just leave out what mom doesn't want you to know.
350 agree | 353 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
What was the name of the judge who sentenced the molester! Let's make sure he isn't re elected!!!
441 agree | 379 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
so why not charge him with that murder too
430 agree | 397 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
If they were to keep up with data entries, they wouldn't be able to get funding for being 'over-run with crime'.
570 agree | 395 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
I would be very interested to know how the police determine a "false report" for allegations of sexual assault/rape. 40% is a very high percentage, compared to the rest of the nation. Why can't they release what evidence they have that makes this a false report.
460 agree | 401 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
It would be a wonderful thing if DNA evidence leads to an arrest and prosecution in Eileen Kelly's murder. Her parents are elderly now and they deserve a resolution. Please keep me updated.
593 agree | 397 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
This case is gone and dead. The Jeweller will get away, he has already started a boombing jewellery tv channel chain in U.S, Germany and U.K and put it all in other peoples names. He has protected himself, now the law will be running after his shadow.
756 agree | 460 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
I am Steven Ellison mother. I have pictures to prove the police beat Steven to death. Lt. David Waltemeyer must not have seen my sons face. They beat his face and other parts of his body.
1,062 agree | 468 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
arrested five men for allegedly stealing beer and food from a Harris Teeter on Glebe Road ? QUILTY 1st? Take this article off.
1,338 agree | 504 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
man thats not fair!!!!!
1,696 agree | 551 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree