U.S. data continues to illustrate dangers associated with drunk driving
Representatives of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside local law enforcement personnel, including officers with the Sarasota Police Department, “to deter drunk driving and prevent tragedies during the Labor Day holiday weekend,” the Sarasota Police Department has announced.
From Aug. 19 through Sept. 7, a news release says, the “message is clear: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
The need for the campaign remains evident the release points out. “According to NHTSA, during the 2024 Labor Day holiday period, 505 people were killed in traffic crashes nationwide. Of those fatalities, 170, or 34%, involved a drunk driver.” Further, it continues, of the drivers ages 18 to 34 who were killed in crashes during the holiday period, 40% had a blood alcohol concentration” of .08 or higher.
Anyone planning to drink alcoholic beverages “should arrange a safe ride home before heading out,” the release emphasizes. “Designate a sober driver, use a taxi or rideshare service or make another transportation plan. Drivers should never wait until after drinking to decide how they will get home,” it adds.
Moreover, the release notes, friends and family members “can help prevent impaired driving by stepping in when someone who has been drinking is considering getting behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them find a safe ride home.”
The release adds, “If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement. In an emergency or when there is an immediate danger, always call 911.”
This Labor Day and every day, the Sarasota Police Department is asking everyone to do their part: Drive sober, look out for one another and help make sure everyone gets home safely,” the release says.