The V.I. Police Department and Office of Highway Safety are planning to launch a new campaign against drunken driving over the holidays called “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest” that will begin Dec. 16, and go until Jan. 2.
In a VIPD press release issued Tuesday, the slogan for the campaign states “There Are No Festivities in Jail; Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
The VIPD wants everyone to know officers will be out in force as people celebrate the holiday season enjoying traditions, food, family and fun, and they will arrest anyone caught behind the wheel of a vehicle drunk.
“The message is simple, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.’ Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle,” Assistant Police Commissioner, Raymond L. Hyndman said.
Hyndman said that, unfortunately, millions of drivers on America’s highways still think they are invincible, and they choose to jeopardize their safety and the safety of others on our roads.
“There will be no spreading holiday cheer behind the bars of a jail cell,” Hyndman, said. “Don’t let your 2011 holiday season end in an arrest or worse, death. Remember, whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk.”
In December 2009, 753 people were killed in crashes nationwide that involved drivers or motorcycle riders with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.
For fiscal year 2011, the local statistics showed that there were a total of 75 DUI crashes, which increased from the fiscal year 2010 total of 67. There were also 214 DUI Arrests in FY 2011, compared to 169 in fiscal year 2010.
Total DUI fatalities for fiscal year 2011 and 2010 remain at zero; however, there were 43 DUI injuries in FY 2011, which increased from the FY 2010 total of 37.
Hyndman recommends these simple tips for a safe holiday season:
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin; before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave the car keys at home.
- If impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
- If a drunk driver is seen on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement.
- Remember, “Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over.” If someone is about to drive or ride while impaired, take that person’s keys and help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.
For more information, please visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.
