Julie Oaks
TDOT PIO
Julie.A.Oaks@tn.gov
615-741-2331 (office)

Tennessee Remembers Victims of Impaired Driving
Governor’s Highway Safety Office and law enforcement officials warn drivers:
Don’t drive under the influence this holiday season.

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen joined the Tennessee Department of Transportation Governor’s Highway Safety Office (TDOT/GHSO) and law enforcement and safety advocates from across the state today to remember the 439 people killed in alcohol or drug-related crashes in 2006 involving a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than .08. The event was held in conjunction with the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police and the Tennessee Sheriffs Association meetings at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel.

A Christmas tree adorned with 439 angels was displayed at today’s event to serve as a visual reminder of the severe result of driving impaired.

Since 1981, each U.S. President has demonstrated his commitment to preventing impaired driving by proclaiming December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.

Governor Bredesen urged Tennesseans to celebrate responsibly this holiday season. “Drunk driving is a preventable crime that claims the lives of hundreds of Tennesseans each year, including 439 people who lost their lives last year alone," said Bredesen. "As people gather to celebrate the holidays, I urge every Tennessean to act responsibly and do their part to prevent this senseless loss of life due to impaired driving."

In December of 2006, 1,076 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or a motorcyclist with a BAC of .08 or higher. A total of 15,121 lost their lives in crashes involving a BAC of .08 or higher, in the U.S. last year.

“The consumption of alcohol, drugs and driving just doesn’t mix,” said Commissioner Gerald Nicely, TDOT. “It’s not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else by driving impaired.”

The Tennessee District Attorneys want you to know that many prescription medicines can cause impairment of driving skills including fatigue. If you are taking medications check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if the medication will affect your ability to drive safely. Many prescription medicines are abused in Tennessee. Hydrocodone, Oxycontin and Xanax are commonly abused by DUI offenders. Take these medications only as prescribed and be cautious.

Tom Kimball, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference offers, “Impaired driving is a serious crime with dangerous consequences. Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs including medications. Don’t wreck this holiday season. Don’t wreck a car and don’t wreck a life.”

“Make no mistake. Our message is simple. If we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses,” said Colonel Mike Walker, Tennessee Department of Safety. “We will be out in force conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and using undercover officers to get more drunk drivers off the road—and save lives that might otherwise be lost.”

Following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road:

• 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 your local law enforcement;
• And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

“Saving lives on our roads is a top priority and we need everyone’s help to do it,” Kendell Poole, Director, GHSO. “This holiday season, don’t let your year 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. Booze it and Lose It!