December is a Time to Focus on the Problem of Impaired Driving
Statistics show that over the past few years, motor vehicle-related deaths in the younger age groups (ages 16 to 20) have decreased. However, overall there has been an increase in alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths and injuries. These same statistics show that impaired driving rises significantly over holiday periods, with December typically being high on that list. During these periods, young drivers (ages 16 to 20) and adult male drivers (ages 21 to 34) are involved in high numbers of impaired driving crashes. This year, the National 3D Prevention Month Coalition will direct its messages in a variety of ways to reach young people and adult male drivers, expand its area of focus to include impaired motorcyclists and pedestrians, and show how different elements of the community, working together, can make a positive impact in the war against impaired driving.

The National 3D Prevention Month Coalition is supporting three major national events in which communities can Take a Stand Against Impaired Driving.

Thursday, December 18, 1997. National 3D Prevention Month News Conference to call attention to the consequences of impaired driving, riding, and walking.

Friday, December 19, 1997. National Lights On For Life Day, a day on which motorists are encouraged to drive with their headlights on in remembrance of those who have been killed or injured in an impaired driving incident.

December 19-21, 1997. National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend, sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs' Association, encourages increased enforcement of impaired driving laws between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Encourage your state and community to participate and Take a Stand Against Impaired Driving

Additional information about these events is contained in the Working with the Media section of this Program Planner. For more information on young and adult drivers, contact the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, NRD-31, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590, phone: (202) 366-4198, fax: (202) 366-7078 or the National Commission Against Drunk Driving, 1500 L Street, NW, Suite 705, Washington, DC 20036, phone: (202) 452-6004, fax: (202) 223-7012. Statistical fact sheets are also available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) web page: www.nhtsa.dot.gov.