“Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” THIS HOLIDAY SEASON (11/22/2006) NEW HAVEN – The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,201 people across America, just during the month of December 2005, were killed in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a BAC level of .10 or higher. In these crashes, 1,033 involved a driver with an illegal BAC level of .08 or above. That’s why the New Haven Police Department is joining with other national, state and local highway safety officials to remind all holiday partiers that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and to never forget to designate a sober driver before the festivities begin. For a safer holiday season, follow these simple guidelines: • If you’re impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely; • Promptly report drunk drivers you see to law enforcement; • Wear your seat belt – it’s the best defense against an impaired driver; Impaired driving is no accident – nor is it a victimless crime. In 2005, nearly 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or a motorcycle operator with a BAC of .08 or higher, according to NHTSA. Beginning on Wednesday, 22 November, the New Haven Police Department will set up sobriety checkpoints and conduct saturation patrols in neighborhoods throughout the city. Impaired drivers will be subject to immediate arrest. This year, New Haven police have already made over 250 arrests for impaired driving. Checkpoints may be in place at the following locations: • Ella Grasso Boulevard between Congress and Washington • Whitney Avenue between Humphrey and East Rock • State Street between James and Ferry • College Street between Chapel and South Frontage Throughout the holiday season, New Haven police will work with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. MADD will participate in upcoming sobriety checkpoints and will distribute red ribbons for cars. According to Janice Heggie Margolis, executive director, MADD Connecticut, “One of the heaviest travel seasons of the year runs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day and this is a time when drunk driving typically increases. MADD is grateful for the support of the New Haven Police Department for its efforts to reduce injuries and fatalities due to alcohol-related crashes. MADD is asking the public to simply remember three keys to safety before they head out the door to their holiday destinations: drive safe, drive sober and buckle up.” Through strict enforcement of impaired driving laws, the New Haven Police Department wants to ensure a safe and fun holiday season for everyone traveling in our city.