Freedom, Don't Lose Yours

Drunk Driving Will Not Be Tolerated This July 4^th

Every 40 minutes and nearly 40 times a day, someone in the United States dies in an alcohol-impaired traffic crash according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  That is why Idaho prosecutors along with other highway safety, community health and law enforcement officials are reminding everyone this Fourth of July that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving and to designate a sober driver before the celebrations begin.

KEY MESSAGES:

• In 2007, during the July 4^th  holiday period there were a total of 200 traffic related fatalities in the United States.  Out of that number, 44 percent involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher.

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin, so you can be alive to enjoy the next celebration

• 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.

• Whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk.  Impaired driving has serious consequences.

• Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is 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 really significant and not the way you want to celebrate the July 4th holiday.

• People that break the law, often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, other fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, lost time at work, etc

• Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Don’t ever get behind a wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired.