Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council is reminding drivers to drive sober during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s annual Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign. Law enforcement will be focusing attention on getting impaired drivers off the road through the Sept. 6 holiday.
According to data recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 8 percent, or as many as 17 million people, have driven drunk at least once during the past year.
“We all have a responsibility to keep our roadways safe. By supporting this campaign, we hope to reach more people with this important safety message,” said Janet Froetscher, NSC President and CEO.
NSC encourages organizations and individuals to use NHTSA planner materials including posters, TV ads and additional ideas to educate employees and your local community about driving safely this Labor Day weekend. The Council also suggests the following tips:
- If you are drinking, do not drive. If you plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver.
- Support the strengthening and vigorous enforcement of impaired-driving laws.
- Young drivers are at particular risk to be involved in alcohol-related crashes. If there is a young driver in your family, strictly enforce a zero tolerance policy with alcohol. All states have a 21-year-old drinking age law.
- Your best defense against a drunk driver is wearing your safety belt, so buckle up.
The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy.