KANSAS CITY — This holiday season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Region 7 Office, is partnering with the State Highway Safety Offices in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving. From December 15, 2021, through January 1, 2022, law enforcement will participate in the high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
According to NHTSA, 10,142 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2019 – 612 in our region alone. This is why NHTSA Region 7 is working to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal but also a matter of life and death. As you head out to the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
“It’s so important that drivers act responsibly, and that includes refraining from impaired driving,” said Regional Administrator Susan DeCourcy.
“The holidays are a special time of year for most, and we want our community members to enjoy this season. In 2019, more than 25 percent of our region’s crash fatalities were from drunk driving. We need commitment from drivers that they’ll keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday. This is a campaign to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and takes lives. Help us put an end to this dangerous behavior,” DeCourcy said.
In December 2019, 837 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver. During the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday periods in 2019 alone, there were more drunk-driving-related fatalities (210) than during any other holiday period that year.
These fatalities are preventable, and drivers must remember that driving impaired by any substance — alcohol or other drugs — is deadly, illegal, and selfish behavior.
NHTSA is reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely.
“Drunk driving is not acceptable behavior. It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you ever leave to go out. There are too many resources to get you home safely. There are just no excuses for drunk driving,” DeCourcy said.
If you’re the designated driver, make sure you keep that promise of safety to yourself and your passengers. Support other designated drivers, too. It can be a long night, but people are counting on you, not to mention the other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the streets. Take the role of the designated driver seriously. Also, if you see a drunk driver on the road, be sure to contact local law enforcement.
Give the gift of safety this holiday season. Celebrate with a plan. For more information about the 2021 Holiday Season Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving