 December 14, 2009
The agencies will implement the annual "Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest" impaired driving campaign from Dec. 16 through Jan. 3, 2010. In 2008, Alaska recorded 62 traffic fatalities, in which 45 percent (28) were alcohol-related. To date, there have been 58 traffic fatalities on Alaska's roads, of which 24 percent (14) have been related to alcohol. These numbers are based on preliminary reports and are subject to change. This season's effort is supported by $7.5 million in paid-national advertising to help alert everyone that if they are caught driving impaired, they will be arrested. "Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk," said DOTP&F Commissioner Leo von Scheben. "Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses." "Alaska's traffic fatalities may be on a downward trend, but the alcohol-related ones remain consistently high," said Cindy Cashen, DOT&PF's Alaska Highway Safety Office administrator. "The consumption of alcohol and driving just don't mix and the results can end up deadly no matter how many drinks you've had." The Alaska State Trooper Director, Col. Audie Holloway, emphasized that his forces will be paying particularly close attention to potential drunk drivers during the enforcement campaign. "Make no mistake. Our message is simple. No matter whom you are or what you drive, if we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses," said Holloway. Source of News:
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