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And what a toll it is. In 2014, there were 10,076 people killed in drunk-driving crashes, almost a third of all traffic fatalities, Thirty-eight percent of crash fatalities on Labor Day weekend that year involved drunk drivers (with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of .08 or higher), amounting to 161 lives lost. And we’re not just talking about a little bit of alcohol, either. More than a quarter (27%) of the crashes fatalities that occurred pm Labor Day weekend involved drivers with BAC’s of 1.5 or higher – almost twice the illegal per se limit
“Too many people think their actions don’t affect anybody else,” said Magee Police Department. “They know it’s illegal. They know it is wrong. But they do it anyway- they make decisions as if those statistics just can’t happen to them,” he added.
The reality is, people aren’t invincible. Of the 10,076 people who were killed in impaired – driving crashes in 2014, 65 percent were the drunk driver themselves. Those 6,515 drunk drivers planned on making it to their destinations, but they didn’t.
In every state, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. DUI Enforcement Officer Shane Fewell wants to remind Magee drivers that it’s not a recommendation; it’s the law. And during the enforcement period starting August 21, there will be a special emphasis on checkpoints, and increased messaging about this reckless, preventable crime. “The number of people who are still drinking and driving in unacceptable,” added Officer Fewell. “Yes, we want to increase awareness for the campaign, but we want the effects to be permanent.”
NHTSA data shows that repeat offenders are an especially dangerous facet of the drunk-driving problem. In the month of August from 2009-2013, of the drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes, almost 1 out of 10 (85) of them had already been convicted of at least one drunk-driving offense.
Officer Fewell emphasized the preventable nature of drunk driving: “All it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But, whatever you do , don’t drink and drive.” NHTSA has made it even easier to get home safely when you’ve been drinking. The new SaferRide mobile app (Free from the iTunes store and Goggle Play), can help users call a taxi to a friend for a ride home. The app can even help you identify your location so you can be picked up. So this August and year-round, remember that there’s no excuse for drunk driving. If you choose to break the law, Magee Police Department will see you before you see them. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
