Local law enforcement officials are working together this week-end to prevent alcohol-related auto accidents in Orlando and the surrounding area. Their message is pretty clear: “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”, The message is aimed at drivers who get behind the wheel while impaired putting themselves and other at risk.
While not often thought of as a “crime”, the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the “most-often-committed and deadliest crimes” in America. Remember – driving while impaired is not an accident and it is not a victimless crime. In 2007 alone almost 13,000 people were killed in auto accidents involving a driver with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. This number includes motorcycle drivers.
NHTSA asks that as you celebrate the end of summer this Labor Day Week-end that you take the following precautions:
- Plan ahead. If you are planning to drink alcohol with friends, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person the keys;
- If you didn’t plan ahead and you’re impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
- Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement;
- Wear your seat belt while in a car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle as these are your best defenses against an impaired driver;
- And remember, 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.