It was announced on December 13th 2011 that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was kicking off a nationwide crackdown on drunk driving. This comes shortly after the announcement by President Obama declaring December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. It also comes during one of the busiest times of the year, the holiday season.
According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, “Safety is our focus year round at DOT. But this holiday season, we're stepping up our efforts to get drunk drivers off our roads and reminding Americans 'drive sober, or get pulled over. We're making gains in our fight against drunk driving, but we cannot and will not let up."
The 7 million dollar campaign “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” advertisement campaign will start December 16th and run through January 2nd. The television ads actually started this summer with the invisible police advertisements. See the video section for an example.
The reports by the NHTSA show that in 2010 the overall rates of drunk driving declined. According to a report by the NHTSA New York State had 1,158 total fatalities in 2009, 318 were from DUI, resulting in 27% of all traffic deaths. In 2010 the reports on DUI fatalities show that while many states declined, but New York actually increased. Total fatalities in 2010 were 1,200 traffic related deaths, 364 resulting from DUI, that’s 30% of all traffic deaths. While Erie County Stop DWI doesn't give DWI fatalities the most recent number of DWI arrests were 3,467 in 2008.
Why so many deaths from alcohol related traffic accidents? Alcohol and other drugs affect the brains ability to concentrate and comprehend things such as depth perception, which many take for granted. One’s reaction time is also greatly reduced, so seeing a traffic light change, a stop sign, or even a deer crossing the road are realized often too late. See the chart in the slide show or click here.
A quick reference guide for drinks is 1 beer equals 12 oz., 1 glass of wine equals 5oz., and I shot of liquor equals 1.5oz. Why does this matter? Most people don’t measure out their drinks and in many bars once it gets busy, most bartenders don’t measure either. So it’s important to understand that the way a person consumes alcohol will bear directly on their BAC level. For example 2 beers is .02%, 4 beers is .08% and 7 beers is .15%, those are standard glasses of beer. In NYS the legal limit is .08% for DWI and according to the chart that’s four beers. However take that with a grain of salt because it isn’t just the number of drinks consumed that effects a BAC, height, weight, age and health all play equal roles.
So as the holiday season gains momentum, culminating with what may be considered the most likely night to see drunk driving, New Year’s Eve, beware that police nationwide will be cracking down on drunk driving. If you know that you are going to be going to a party where alcohol will be served or celebrating with friends over drinks this holiday season please designate a driver. You can ask a friend or family member to be the designated driver or you can use a driving/taxi services. Here in Buffalo NY there is a company that offers to be your designated driver for a fee,contact Designated Driver of Buffalo for information on their services. Using a service such as this will ensure that no one will experience a tragic loss during what should be a joyful time of year.
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