| Press Release |
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| December 8, 2005 |
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Governor Urges Oregonians to Join the Effort to Keep Our Roads Safe this Holiday Season
(Portland, OR) – Today Governor Ted Kulonogoski was joined by officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Oregon State Police, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, representatives from the restaurant and taxi cab industries to declare December impaired driving prevention month and discuss strategies to prevent intoxicated driving during the holidays, as well as throughout the year.
“We have made progress in Oregon reducing the rate of drunk and drugged driving over the last several decades, but far too many Oregonians still get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t,” Governor Kulongoski said. “I call on all Oregonians to play a part in making sure our communities and roads are safe for our fellow citizens this holiday season – which means knowing when to call a taxi, call a friend, call a taxi for a friend or loved one, or designate a driver for the evening. By working together, we can reduce the incidents of drinking and drugged driving not only during the holiday but all year.”
In 2004, nearly 17,000 people nationwide died in alcohol-related crashes. In Oregon, according to the ODOT Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), between 2000-2004, 2,343 people have died in traffic crashes in Oregon – of which 41.6 percent were intoxicant-related fatalities where police reported alcohol and/or drugs were used, or a positive blood alcohol content (BAC) or drug test was obtained on an active participant (a driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist). Nearly 38% of the Christmas holiday weekend fatal crashes since 1985 were alcohol-related, and in 2004, four of the five (80 percent) fatalities over Christmas weekend were alcohol-related.
Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation emphasized that designating a sober driver is a simple step to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. ODOT also highlighted their “Drive Sober Saves Lives” public awareness campaign, which includes red wristbands that display that message. “A tragic crash or an arrest for drunk driving is a horrible way to end the year,” said Oregon State Police Superintendent Ronald C. Ruecker. “The message is simple: You Drink and Drive. You Lose. We know there are going to be holiday celebrations and office parties this time of the year where alcohol will be consumed, so your best bet is to always designate a sober driver before the parties begin – it makes our roads safer for all Oregonians and it’s the right thing to do.”
Representatives from Radio Cab and Speed’s Supertow also highlighted their partnerships with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Radio Cab has a free ride service during the holidays and Speed’s Supertow has a “Tow for Life” program that began 23 years ago and has been replicated in communities across the nation. It is a program available during the month of December which provides towing services to anyone in the greater Portland area who feels they may be over the legal alcohol limit. For a donation of $10, the company will pick the driver and their passengers up and take them and their vehicle to their home. All of the proceeds are donated to MADD, and since its inception, the program has raised more than $10,000 for MADD.
Important tips to prevent intoxicated driving:
- Use a taxi, available alternative transportation or mass transit;
- Call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
- Use available community Sober Rides programs;
- Report impaired drivers to law enforcement by calling 1-800-24DRUNK (243-7865) or
- 911;
- Always buckle up – it’s your best defense against an impaired driver;
- Spend the night where the activity is being held and sleep it off.
Helpful resources for Oregonians:
For more information about the importance of stopping impaired driving, please visit www.stopimpaireddriving.org.
Media Contact:
Mary Ellen Glynn, 503-378-4656
Anna Richer Taylor, 503-378-6496
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