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Home > Post > Post 5 > Post 5 News Release > 2004 News Archives > News Release

"You Drink & Drive. You Lose." Campaign Targets Impaired Drivers

Date of News Release: 8/16/2004

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - The Kentucky State Police announced today that it will be participating in the "You Drink & Drive. You Lose" national traffic enforcement campaign from Aug. 27 to Sept. 12, 2004. During this 17 day period, which includes the Sept. 6 Labor Day holiday, troopers will be assigned to saturation road patrols, traffic safety checkpoints and coordinated efforts with local law enforcement agencies to target, arrest and prosecute impaired drivers. To view a listing of traffic safety checkpoints in the Campbellsburg Post area.

"There were 5,578 alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in Kentucky last year," notes KSP Commissioner Mark Miller. "They resulted in 3,585 injuries and 178 fatalities. This year, troopers will be out in force. If you drive impaired, chances are high that you will be caught."

"Our message is clear," he warns. "You drink and drive, you lose. Enforcement will be strict. Impaired driving is a crime and we follow a zero tolerance policy."

The "You Drink & Drive. You Lose" campaign began in 1999 and is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It combines highly visible law enforcement activities with a $14 million national advertising program aimed at 21- to 34-year old males, which research identifies as the most likely to drive impaired.

Someone in America dies in an alcohol-related crash every 30 minutes. NHTSA research shows that nearly 97 percent of Americans view drinking and driving by others as a threat to their families and themselves. Studies indicate that Americans support tougher enforcement efforts and rank impaired driving ahead of healthcare, poverty, the environment and gun control as an important social issue.

"If you find it hard to figure out if you've had too many drinks to drive, don't risk it," advises Capt. Brad Bates, commander of KSP's Community Relations Branch. "Violators can lose their driver's license, time from their jobs and hard-earned money in fines, lawyer's fees and court costs. They can also have their vehicle impounded and face imprisonment for repeat offenses, assault and vehicular manslaughter."

The Kentucky State Police offer the following tips to make your end-of-summer highway travel safer for everyone:

• Be responsible. Don't drink and drive. It's not worth the risk. You will be caught.
• If you plan to drink, choose a designated driver before going out.
• Take public transportation, a taxicab or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity is held.
• Report impaired drivers to local law enforcement or the Kentucky State Police toll free at 1-800-222-5555 (in the state of Kentucky only, does not work out of state).
• Always buckle your seat belt. It's your best defense against an impaired driver.

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