DUI fatalities down nationwide, says U.S. Sect. of Transportation

Jan. 1, 2020
New national figures show a significant decline in the number of drunk-driving-related fatalities occurring nationally.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – New national figures released today show a significant decline in the number of drunk-driving-related fatalities occurring nationally and in 32 individual states, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters announced, although the number of alcohol related fatalities among motorcyclists is climbing in half of the states.

“More drivers are getting the message that if you drink and drive, you will be caught, you will be arrested and you will go to jail,” says Peters. “But as good as this progress is, in this day and age there is simply no excuse for someone to drink and then drive.”

Peters noted that last year an estimated 12,998 people were killed in crashes where a vehicle operator had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. She said that represented a 3.7-percent decline from the 13,491 fatalities in 2006. However, figures showing that 25 states experienced an increase in the number of drunk motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes was disappointing, Peters said, adding that the Department is working with law enforcement agencies across the nation to launch stepped-up drunk driving enforcement efforts during the Labor Day holiday period. She added that the Department also was investing $13 million in advertising during the holiday weekend to deliver the message, “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” 

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advertising campaign this year will include media outlets and information sources that are most likely to reach high-risk demographic groups. The agency is using more Web-based outreach,teaming-up with alternative media partners. The new ads are being seen on message banners on well-known social media sites, Internet TV programming, mobile devices and even PC-based video games.

NHTSA’s new statistical report on 2007 alcohol-related fatalities is drawn from the agency’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and can be viewed here.

To view the campaign materials click here.

 

Sponsored Recommendations

Best Body Shop and the 360-Degree-Concept

Spanesi ‘360-Degree-Concept’ Enables Kansas Body Shop to Complete High-Quality Repairs

ADAS Applications: What They Are & What They Do

Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...

Banking on Bigger Profits with a Heavy-Duty Truck Paint Booth

The addition of a heavy-duty paint booth for oversized trucks & vehicles can open the door to new or expanded service opportunities.

Boosting Your Shop's Bottom Line with an Extended Height Paint Booths

Discover how the investment in an extended-height paint booth is a game-changer for most collision shops with this Free Guide.