July 4th Crackdown on Drunk Drivers

KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwire - June 29, 2009) - Area law enforcement today announced its officers will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday period, cracking down on drunk drivers with an aggressive Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest enforcement blitz.

"Driving while drunk isn't worth the tremendous risk. No matter your age, if you've had too much holiday spirit, you'd better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high," said Romell Cooks, Regional Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Region 7.

In 2007, 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic-related crashes during the July 4th holiday period had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Drunk driving is one of America's deadliest problems. In 2007, 41,059 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. There were 12,998 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

In Kansas, there were 416 vehicle occupant deaths during 2007; and of those, 114 involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

Officials point out that much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate:

--  Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
--  Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person
    your keys;
--  If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member,
    or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
--  If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to
    contact your local law enforcement;
--  And remember, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know
    someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and
    help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
    

Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.

Don't let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Remember, Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Designate your sober driver before the parties begin.

For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.

Source: Traffic Safety Notes, NHTSA Center For Statistics and Analysis, August 2008

Contact Information: CONTACT: Ginny Vineyard 816.456.5302