YOU DRINK & DRIVE. YOU LOSE.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES MOBILIZE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TO
COMBAT IMPAIRED DRIVING IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Beginning December 17^th and continuing through December 19^th , law enforcement agencies nationwide, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will take a major step in intensifying the fight against impaired driving by launching the You Drink & Drive. You Lose. public education campaign. It is America’s new impaired driving prevention campaign and was developed to be the voice of the national partnership aimed at reducing alcohol-related traffic fatalities to no more than 11,000 per year by the year 2005.

The new campaign brings together, for the first time ever, the various efforts aimed at preventing impaired driving under one program and one identity in a coordinated and common sense approach. The campaign targets high-risk populations such as 21- to 34-year-olds, high blood alcohol and repeat offenders, and underage drinkers. The four elements of the campaign are based on proven methods — public education, building public-private partnerships, enacting strong legislation and active and visible enforcement.

“You Drink & Drive. You Lose. campaign will help support and expand the hard work already being conducted by law enforcement agencies in communities throughout America to raise community awareness that impaired driving is no accident and is a crime that kills,” said NHTSA Administrator Ricardo Martinez, M.D. said,“It is a new and comprehensive tool for law enforcement and communities to use as we all work together to achieve ‘11,000 by 2005.‘”

Under the leadership of Administrator Martinez, NHTSA held a national summit with state and community leaders to create a new comprehensive and broad-based strategy to reduce impaired driving nationwide. The national campaign is based on the experiences and successful impaired driving prevention programs implemented by community-minded and law enforcement organizations like the National Association of Governors’ Highway Safety Representatives, Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

Based on the success of the nationally coordinated Buckle Up America enforcement initiative, NHTSA asked Operation C.A.R.E’s assistance and support in developing a similar approach aimed at heightening enforcement of impaired driving. When highly visible law enforcement is coupled with public information in a nationwide “wave” across small towns and rural areas to inner-city neighborhoods, it puts offenders on notice that their actions are criminal and it deters thousands of potential violators.

While there have been continued gains in the fight against impaired driving, partners fighting impaired driving across America believe that as a nation we must do more to make more substantial decreases in impaired driving.

Adding his endorsement for the campaign, [INSERT LOCAL Operation C.A.R.E. OFFICIAL] said, “Reducing the death toll to 11,000 per year represents a national commitment. But to reach our national goal we must begin at the community level. As law enforcement officers we hold the keys to success. And, as key holders, our commitment to participate in You Drink & Drive. You Lose. is a pledge to make America’s communities safer by taking potential killers off our roadways.”

The new campaign offers a variety of community-based countermeasures to meet the challenge of reducing alcohol-related fatalities to no more than 11,000 per year by the year 2005. As a law enforcement officer or community safety advocate, your participation will help make the streets safer and educate the public in the hope that they will make responsible decisions. By committing to participate in these enforcement period activities your community can benefit greatly. Here’s how:

• High-visibility enforcement combined with public outreach builds momentum and a sense of urgency among community, media and opinion leaders and reinforces messages that drinking and driving kills.
• Gains during enforcement period “waves” have long-term effects, creating a base for law enforcement officials to build upon and increase public support for law enforcement initiatives.
• Enforcement of impaired driving laws reduces crashes and can potentially lead to reductions in other crimes as well.
• Coordinated efforts aimed at preventing the sale of alcohol to minors will reduce underage drinking and decrease crime, fatalities and deaths among youths.
• Remember: Every time our lifesaving message is heard, we have the potential to save lives.

You’ll be joining thousands of officers in communities across the nation working to get impaired drivers off the road. Your participation will help people in your community recognize the deadly costs of impaired driving, and encourage more responsible behavior.

You will not be alone in your efforts to halt impaired driving. Other communities are involved as well, and many have success stories to share. For more information on impaired driving and resources to help you in your efforts, please visit the NHTSA website at: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov