Vermont Police Cracking Down on Impaired Drivers this 4th of July Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2011

CONTACT
Betsy Ross, Public Information Officer
Governor’s Highway Safety Program
802-241-5511
bross@dps.state.vt.us

Waterbury, VT — As party-goers celebrate the Fourth of July with friends and family, the Vermont Governor’s Highway Safety Program will be joining with the Vermont State Police, Department of Motor Vehicles, local municipal agencies, Sheriffs and Constables warning the public to keep the party off the road or be ready to face the consequences.

Vermont law enforcement will be out in force with increased activities to include extra patrols and checkpoints beginning July 1 through July 5, 2011. Through Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), the Vermont State Police will focus on identifying impaired and aggressive drivers over the weekend through added patrols and sobriety checkpoints. Those who drive impaired and/or aggressively present the highest risks on our highways and have a greater chance of being involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Impaired driving is one of America’s deadliest problems.  In 2009 alone, 10,839 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, accounting for nearly 32 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the United States.  That’s an average of one impaired-driving fatality every 48 minutes in 2009.

In fact, 410 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationally during the Fourth of July weekend in 2009.  Of that number, 40 percent involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.

In Vermont for 2010, there was one fatality for the holiday weekend, a total of 64 crashes with 34 injuries, of which seven operators were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In comparison to 2009, there were 64 crashes, 24 injuries, and six under the influence of alcohol/drugs. There were no fatalities for the Fourth of July in 2009.

“Driving while under the influence isn’t worth the enormous risk. No matter your age, if you’ve had too much holiday spirit, you’d better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high,” said Lt. John Flannigan, Governor’s Highway Safety Program Acting Chief.

Vermont law enforcement strongly urges our citizens and visitors to focus on safe and responsible driving. If you plan to consume alcoholic beverages, please use a designated driver or available public transportation.