NHTSA Launches Annual Anti-Drunk Driving Campaign for Labor Day
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched its annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign against drunk driving, in anticipation of an increase in DUIs that tend to occur over the Labor Day weekend. Like many other major holidays, Labor Day tends to be a time where more drunk people get behind the wheel, resulting in an increase in car accidents. Through aggressive policing and public outreach, the NHTSA is hoping to curtail this problem by helping them realize the importance of staying sober when they intend to drive.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign
The NHTSA’s annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is a combined initiative between law enforcement and advertising to convince people not to drive while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. In addition to an increased presence of traffic cops looking for drunk drivers, the NHTSA is putting out a series of ads on billboards, TV, radio, and social media to encourage driving sober. This combination of outreach and enforcement is meant to reduce the number of people driving drunk, and limit the number of alcohol-involved accidents.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (commonly referred to as DUI) is one of the most dangerous activities someone can do behind the wheel. Drunk driving is a factor in nearly a third of all fatal motor vehicle accidents, representing a disproportionately high danger to other drivers on the road. This is because drunk drivers suffer from impaired judgment, worse reaction time, worse motor control, blurred vision, and other issues that make it harder for them to drive safely.
Why Drunk Driving is So Common on Labor Day Weekend
Unfortunately, Labor Day weekend tends to be an unusually busy time for drunk drivers. This is because many people meet up with others to celebrate the holiday, and their festivities often involve consuming large amounts of alcohol. If they do not have a designated driver or other means of travel, they may then decide to get behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk.
Staying Safe This Labor Day
If you want to stay safe from drunk drivers this Labor Day, the first thing you can do is make sure not to drive yourself if you intend to drink, and discourage others from driving if they drink. Second, you should be on the lookout for the signs of drunk driving, which include things like sudden starting and stopping, swerving between lanes, and driving in the dark with headlights off. If you notice someone engaged in these sorts of unusual behaviors, stay far away, so you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, seeking the advice from an attorney experienced in personal injury law will help assure you get the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Levine and Slavit, PLLC assist clients in Long Island and New York City in obtaining the damages they need to cope with being the victim of negligence. For more information or to schedule a consultation with our New York personal injury lawyers, call (888) LAW-8088 or fill out our contact form.
