The U.S. Department of Transportation will be joining law enforcement efforts in all 50 states to crack down on drunk driving and other driving infractions through the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
Our Boston accident attorneys continue to report on the dangers of drunk driving accidents. Alcohol was involved in 151 fatal Massachusetts car accidents in 2008 — accounting for 42 percent of the state’s 363 traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” is a nationwide campaign that began Aug. 20 and runs through Labor Day weekend. Law enforcement efforts in all 50 states will be augmented by a $13 million television and radio campaign.
“Drunk driving is deadly, it’s against the law, and unfortunately, it’s still a problem,” said Secretary Ray LaHood. “With the help of law enforcement around the country, we are going to continue doing all that we can to stop drunk driving and the needless tragedies that result from this reckless behavior.”
A new study released in time for the holiday found that about 8 percent of all drivers — or 17 million motorists — have driving drunk at least once in the past year. One in 5 motorists have driven within two hours of drinking alcohol at some point in the past year. Yet 80 percent of Americans identify drunk driving as a “major threat” to the safety of their family.
“Our message is loud and clear. If you drive drunk you will be arrested and prosecuted. There will be no exceptions and no excuses,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “And if you’re below the age of 21, there is zero tolerance for any alcohol in your system whatsoever. That’s why we’re out there with law enforcement, tackling this major safety issue head on.”
The study found that young male drivers are at the highest risk. Of male drivers age 16 to 24, a full one-fourth had either driven drunk or had been a passenger in a car driven by someone who had too much to drink at some point during the past 12 months.
If you have been injured in a Massachusetts car accident or are involved in a drunk driving accident over the Labor Day weekend, contact Boston Injury Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.