Sobriety Checkpoints Reduce Drunk Driving Deaths

PRESS RELEASE
Teaneck, New Jersey – As our nation prepares for the Labor Day Holiday, signaling the end of summer, law enforcement officers will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD) New Jersey endorses this type of law enforcement effort to deter would-be drunk drivers and reduce drunk driving injuries and fatalities. In fact, high visibility law enforcement is a key component of MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

“Sobriety checkpoints deliver a very direct message that if you choose to drive drunk, you will be held accountable,” said Attorney, James Benvenisti, MADD , New Jersey. “The idea is to publicize checkpoints ahead of time, in order to deter people from driving drunk and encourage them to plan ahead for non-drinking designated driver.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 138 people were killed in drunk driving crashes nationwide over the Labor Day Holiday weekend in 2011 (the most recent year for which there is data). High visibility enforcement campaigns such as the Driver Sober or get Pulled Over campaign have proven effective in the fight to eliminate drunk driving. Currently 38 states and the District of Columbia participate in sobriety checkpoints programs which are designated to deter drunk drivers and reduce fatal crashes. On average these states have seen a reduction in fatal drunk driving crashes by 20 percent.

Across the nation, drunk driving continues to be a problem on our roads, and a majority of the American public believes it is a significant threat to their safety. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem and fostering recognition for the work that needs to be done to eliminate drunk driving.

MADD looks forward to the day when every state incorporates crackdown weekends into their traffic safety efforts. Until then, as you head out this holiday weekend, and every day, consider these tips:

• Plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver or use alternate transportation.
• Advocate for ignition interlock legislation in your state.
• Support campaigns such as Drive Sober of Get Pulled Over.
• Always be alert, wear your seatbelt and avoid distractions when you drive.

“Mothers Against Drunk Driving remains the world’s largest organization with its mission being to prevent the violent crime of drunk driving”. In a recent study, it was revealed that for the first time, drunk driving deaths are down by 7% nationwide, to less than 10,000 per year. During that same time period, there has been a 15% increase in drunk driving fatalities in New Jersey, MADD New Jersey is comprised of 30 volunteers who meet regularly to prevent drunk driving in our state. If you would like to donate to MADD or become more involved with our MADD, New Jersey chapter, please call James Bryant at (877) ASK-MADD.” Steven Benvenisti, Esq., MADD National Board of Directors and New Jersey volunteer.

About Mother Against Driving

Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nation’s largest non-profit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking. With the help of those who want a safer future, MADD’s campaign to eliminate drunk driving will end this danger on America’s roads. Power Talk 21 is the national day for parents to talk with their kids about alcohol, using the proven strategies of Power of Parents to reduce the risk of underage drinking. And as one of the largest victim services organizations in the US., MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charges, serving one person every eight minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1 (877) MADD-HELP. Learn more at www.madd.org or by calling 1 (877) ASK-MADD.