July 4th crackdown on drunk drivers
Eastern Pike Regional Police announce holiday plans Matamoras The Eastern Pike Regional Police Department today announced its officers will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday period, cracking down on drunk drivers with an aggressive Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest enforcement blitz. “Driving while drunk isn’t worth the tremendous risk. No matter your age, if you’ve had too much holiday spirit, you’d better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high,” said Chief Chad Stewart. Chief Stewart cited recent statistics to underscore the importance of the crackdown. In 2007, 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic-related crashes during the July 4th holiday period (6 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2007 to 5:59 a.m. on Thursday, July 5, 2007) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. During the July 4th holiday period in 2007, there were a total of 200 traffic-related fatalities. Of those, 44 percent involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher. “Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and driving don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accidentnor is it a victimless crime. It’s vitally important that we bring this tragic situation to an end,” said Chief Stewart. Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2007, 41,059 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. There were 12,998 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Alcohol plays a big role in motorcycle fatalities too. Forty-one percent of the 2,182 motorcycle riders who were killed in single-vehicle crashes in 2007 had BAC levels of .08 or higher. In fatal crashes for 2007 a higher percentage of motorcycle riders had BAC levels of .08 or higher than any other type of vehicle driver. Chief Stewart said much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate: Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin; 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; And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. 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. Driving impaired is simply 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 significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses. “It’s obvious to recognize someone who’s had way too much to drink to drive safely. But what about those who have had just a few too many?”. “You don’t have to be falling down drunk’ to be a threat to yourself and others on the road.” Don’t let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Remember, Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Designate your sober driver before the parties begin. For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org .