Decrease in Traffic Fatalities Linked to Driving Sober
By Lt. David P. Jude, Kentucky State Police
The holiday season is upon us and this time of year is usually met with office parties, family get-togethers and social events with friends.
Crowds are already growing larger at shopping locations and travel plans are being made, all to celebrate this festive time of year. Interstate traffic will increase and families will travel together to spend time with each other as we close out 2011.
This is a good time to reflect back on a positive trend for Kentucky drivers. Each year since 2006, the number of deaths on our roadways has decreased. This is a trend that must continue.
The best way to continue the trend is to avoid drinking and driving. To drink and then drive is a conscious decision that must be stopped.
I am often asked if there is one area that can be credited for the reduction in highway deaths. My answer is easy – the largest credit goes to the driving public.
When the driving population of our state makes the appropriate changes in driving attitudes and behaviors, positive change occurs. Reducing D.U.I.’s is no different. A change in attitude can make all the difference.
One of the goals of the Kentucky State Police is to make our highways safer by reducing collisions, injuries and fatalities. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign shares this goal.
Throughout the remainder of 2011 and through the first part of 2012, law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth will be aggressively looking for impaired drivers. State and local law enforcement will be enforcing our D.U.I. laws and will maintain a zero tolerance when it comes to D.U.I.
This means if you are over the limit and we catch you driving on the roadway, you will be arrested and you will go to jail.
Make a good decision this holiday season – if you choose to include alcohol in your holiday plans, don’t get behind the wheel. Make a decision that will have a positive lasting impact on your family and others. Drive sober and have a great holiday season.