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Home > Post > Post 1 > Post 1 News Release > 2009 News Releases > News Release

News Release

4th of July - Over the Limit - Under Arrest

Date of News Release: 06/23/2009

(Mayfield, Ky.) -- The Kentucky State Police is participating in the NHTSA 4th of July 'Over the Limit - Under Arrest' holiday 'High Visibility Enforcement' (HVE) program.

2009 Fourth of July Holiday Enforcement Period: Thursday July 2 - Sunday July 5th.

Drunk Driving Will Not Be Tolerated This July 4th

According to Captain Nathan Kent, Commander of Post 1-Mayfield, the goal is to warn people of the dangers and consequences of driving while impaired. Every 40 minutes and nearly 40 times a day, someone in the United States dies in an alcohol-impaired traffic crash according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "That is why Kentucky State Police along with other highway safety, community health and law enforcement officials are reminding everyone this Fourth of July that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, and to designate a sober driver before the celebrations begin," Captain Kent said. Troopers will also be citing violators for speeding and occupant restraint violations during this campaign.

Alcohol is a major factor in fatal crashes during the July 4 holiday

• In 2008, 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic related crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period possessed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
• During the July 4th holiday period there were a total of 200 traffic related fatalities. Out of that number, 44 percent involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher.
• In 2008, 41,059 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Out of that number 12,998 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin, so you can be alive to enjoy the next celebration

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
• If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact KSP (1-800-222-5555 (in the state of Kentucky only, does not work out of state)) or your local law enforcement;

Whether you've had way too many or just one too many, it's not worth the risk. Impaired driving has serious consequences.

• The tragedies and costs from drinking and driving impaired do not just end at the potential death, disfigurement, disability and injury caused by impaired drivers.
• Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state. Yet too many people still ignore the law. Annually, in the U.S. over 1.4 million people were arrested for driving under the influence.
• Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be really significant and not the way you want to celebrate the July 4th holiday.
• People who break the law, often face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, other fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, lost time at work, etc.

Over the Limit. Under Arrest. This Fourth of July,

• This summer, don't let your Fourth of July end in an arrest-or even worse, death. Make smart decisions. Plan ahead, so you can assure a safe way home. Whether you've had way too many or just one too many, it's not worth the risk.
• Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Don't ever get behind a wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired.

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