Nearly every 40 minutes someone in the United States dies in an alcohol-impaired traffic crash according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is why the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety wants to remind everyone as we head into Super Bowl Weekend, that "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk".
Drunk Driving is one of America's most-often-committed and deadliest crimes. Preliminary data for 2011 shows that last year in Kentucky there were 718 highway fatalities. Of these 17 % involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Whether you've had way too many or just one too many, it's not worth the risk. Impaired driving has serious consequences.
Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin, so you can enjoy the next celebration.
•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.
•Use your community’s Sober Rides program.
•If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.
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.
It’s obvious when someone has had way too much to drink to drive safely. What about those who have had just one too many? You don’t have to be ‘falling down drunk’ to be a threat to yourself and others on the road.
While we hope everyone enjoys the game, our message is simple. No matter what you drive – a passenger car, pickup, SUV or motorcycle – if you are caught driving impaired, YOU WILL BE ARRESTED. No exceptions. No excuses.