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NHTSA 11-08
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Contact: Rae Tyson
Tel.: (202) 202-493-2226
NHTSA Launches Winter Holiday Crackdown on Drunk Drivers
New study finds drivers age 21 to 24 have highest involvement rates
New National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research shows that
between 2002 and 2006, nearly four fatalities out of 10 involved
alcohol-impaired crashes in the last two weeks of December. The new study also
found that 21-24 year-old drivers are involved in more alcohol-impaired fatal
crashes than any other age group, announced NHTSA Acting Administrator David
Kelly today.
“Drunk driving is one of the most serious, and preventable, dangers we face on
our roadways,” Kelly said. “Sadly, the death toll from drunk-driving crashes is
higher between Christmas and New Year’s than any other time.”
The new report was released on the eve of a national crackdown against impaired
driving that involves thousands of law enforcement agencies throughout the
country and runs through the New Year’s holiday. The “Drunk Driving. Over the
Limit. Under Arrest” law enforcement and public awareness campaign is supported
by a $7 million national television and radio advertising campaign.
Acting Administrator Kelly warned motorists to obey the law and drive sober to
avoid being stopped by police.
“Our law enforcement officers are giving up their holiday time with their
families to protect us all from drunk drivers,” Kelly said. “Make no mistake
about it, violators will get a free ride to jail. So before you go out to
celebrate, be responsible and designate a sober driver.”
A copy of the new statistical report, which provides state-by-state holiday
drunk driving fatalities by age group, can be viewed at
http://www.nhtsa.gov/reports/811063.html.
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