MASS. – From now through Sept. 5, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is joining the 2022 nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” impaired driving enforcement campaign.
The campaign is run by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help raise awareness for public safety and to reinforce the dangers of impaired driving. The annual campaign is strategically scheduled to take place at the end of the summer and during Labor Day weekend.
Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health found that 27% of car/truck drivers hospitalized for crash-related injuries had positive indicators for alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. Of other hospitalized road users, 17% of motorcycle operators, 14% of bicyclists, and 19% of pedestrians had positive indicators for alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash from 2016 to 2018.
“We strongly encourage individuals to drive sober, not impaired or distracted to help save lives and ensure that roadways across the Commonwealth are safe for all users,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “It is important for people to remain vigilant, stay focused, drive sober, and pay attention to stay safe and prevent crashes as summer seasons winds down and people continue to travel and enjoy outdoor activities and festivities.”
According to the NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016 to 2020, and one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020.
“We remind all drivers, from our newest to more experienced drivers, that holiday weekends and any celebration should start with designating a sober driver,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “Regardless of why you travel, put down the phone, drive sober, and follow posted speed limits. Safety must be everyone’s highest priority.”
According to NHTSA, there were 530 crash fatalities nationwide during the 2020 Labor Day holiday period (6 PM Sept. 4- 5:59 AM on Sept. 8) and 46% of those fatalities involved drivers who had been drinking
NHTSA recommends the following safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if an individual has had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- If available, use your community’s sober ride program.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
