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Tom Hale

Drinking And Driving Still Don't Mix
August 8, 2008

Drinking and driving don't mix. That message has been around for a long, long time, but unfortunately many individuals still don't understand it. They don't understand that drunken driving is one of America's deadliest crimes.

To serve up a reminder, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTYC) will be joining thousands of law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the country from Aug. 15 through Labor Day to take part in the "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" crackdown on impaired driving.

Kentucky Secretary of Transportation Joe Prather said KYTC has a responsibility to make highways as safe as possible. "This aggressive campaign is an example of our commitment to improving safety on our highways," he said. "Through our efficient use of resources from various agencies, we will be successful."

Across the U.S., statistics show that in just one year more than 13,000 people are killed in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. Last year in Kentucky, there were more than 6,000 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 214 deaths and over 3,400 injuries.

"We strive to educate the public on the dangers of drinking and driving, and we're working closely with law enforcement around the state to help end these needless deaths," said Prather. "Despite our laws, we continue to see far too many people suffer as a result of impaired driving."

In Missouri, there were more than 7,700 alcohol-related crashes during 2007, resulting in 243 deaths. In an effort to drastically reduce these figures, The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is sponsoring a statewide campaign aimed at stopping motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

"It is important that we inform Missourians about the dangers of alcohol abuse and drunk driving," said Missouri Governor Matt Blunt. "In Missouri, if someone chooses to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they are not only putting others at risk, they are choosing to face very serious consequences that could impact their driving privileges."

Posted by Tom Hale on August 8, 2008 | Comments (0)