Aug 21, 2008

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety reminds mid-Missouri motorists, “You Drink and Drive. You Lose.” During the month of August, law enforcement agencies from around mid-Missouri are participating in “You Drink and Drive. You Lose.” This national campaign promotes sober driving by reminding people about the consequences of choosing to drink and drive. The program also encourages law enforcement agencies to place additional emphasis on arresting impaired drivers. “The goal is to increase safety on Missouri roadways,” said MoDOT Traffic Engineer Matt Myers. “Impaired driving is a serious matter and we want to remind people that the consequences of choosing to drink and drive are very real.” In 2007, someone was killed or injured in an alcohol-related crash every 1.7 hours in Missouri. And it’s not just the impaired driver who is at risk. Thirty-six percent of the fatalities and 43 percent of the injuries in 2007 occurred to someone else involved in the crash. “By choosing to drink and drive, you not only put yourself and other motorists at risk of death or serious injury, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant,” said Myers. In 2007, there were more than 7,700 alcohol-related traffic crashes in Missouri that resulted in killing 243 people and injuring nearly 5,000 people. “Parents need to know that more than 1,000 alcohol-related crashes in Missouri in 2007 involved drivers under the age of 21,” said Myers. “It’s important to talk with young drivers to let them know that the decision they make when getting behind the wheel of a car or even riding in a car with a driver who has been drinking can have very real and life changing consequences.” There are precautions every person can take to prevent alcohol-related tragedies. If you plan to drive, don’t drink. Encourage safe driving behaviors among family and friends. Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. And, always wear your seat belt because it’s your best defense against an impaired driver. To learn the facts about impaired driving or to see photos of the Aug. 7 “You Drink and Drive. You Lose.” news conference, log onto to www.modot.org/central or www.savemolives.com/central.