NHTSA kicks off ‘Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest’ campaign

The U.S. Department of Transportation today, kicked off its annual ‘Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest’ campaign to combat drunk driving. A new study released by the NHTSA shows that one in five U.S. drivers admit to drinking and driving. The agency also released new data indicating that as many as 17 million Americans have driven drunk in the last year.

The campaign, which will run through Labor Day, involves thousands of police agencies across the country, and is augmented by $13 million in television and radio advertising, courtesy of the NHTSA.

“Drunk driving is deadly, it’s against the law, and unfortunately, it’s still a problem,” said Secretary LaHood. “With the help of law enforcement around the country, we are going to continue doing all that we can to stop drunk driving and the needless tragedies that result from this reckless behavior.”

The study shows a direct correlation between how often one consumes alcohol and their propensity to drive under the influence. There was also a particularly concerning rate of instances of drinking and driving among younger males. The initiative is taking a hard-nosed stance against driving. NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said, “Our message is loud and clear. If you drive drunk you will be arrested and prosecuted. There will be no exceptions and no excuses. And if you’re below the age of 21, there is zero tolerance for any alcohol in your system whatsoever. That’s why we’re out there with law enforcement, tackling this major safety issue head on.”

– By: Stephen Calogera