The month of December, 2013 has been declared, National Impaired Driving Prevention Month by Presidential Proclamation. The proclamation asks for renewed dedication to saving lives, and eliminating drunk, drugged and distracted driving.
In the context of nearly one third of motor vehicle crash fatalities being caused by impaired drivers, and with the death toll amounting to nearly 30 per day from alcohol related driving accidents, this proclamation makes sense not just for December, but for every month.
The White House is joining with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Law Enforcement agencies throughout the United States to promote the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which targets drunk and drug impaired drivers. This campaign is in effect from December 13 through January 1.
In Nevada, 2013 has almost caught up with 2012 in alcohol related crashes and fatalities. The weekly Nevada FARS report shows 44 alcohol related deaths in Clark County. So far 2013 has had 43 fatalities due to impaired driving. The total for alcohol related deaths on Clark County roadways is less than the national total with approximately 27% of fatalities caused by alcohol related crashes.
However, considering that Allstate Insurance found in their annual Best Drivers Report® published in August 2013, that Las Vegas drivers are 15% more likely to be in an automobile accident than the national average, perhaps our county doesn’t have much to brag about. What this shows is that the total number of accidents is greater than the national average in Clark County, and therefore the alcohol related accidents reflect a lower percentage of the total.
During this holiday season, we join the White House in imploring drivers in Clark County and throughout the U.S. to plan ahead, slow down, be mindful of others on the road, don’t drive impaired. If you are going to a celebration where alcohol is served, arrange to stay over, select a non-drinker to do the driving, call a cab, or call Designated Drivers to get a ride at 702-456-7433. Have a safe and enjoyable Holiday!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
http://www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober/
http://ots.state.nv.us/FARS_OTS/2013/NevadaWeeklyFARSUpdate.pdf
