For immediate release: [DATE]

Contact: [NAME & PHONE]

[LOCAL 3D COALITION] Working to Reduce Impaired Driving Crashes and Deaths This Holiday Season

Will Join with Millions to Promote Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month During Deadly December Holidays

WHAT: Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month Holiday Kick-Off Event, Strengthening Safe Communities

WHEN: [DATE AND TIME]

WHERE: [LOCATION/ADDRESS]

WHO: [SPEAKERS AND TITLES]

WHY: Alcohol is a factor in approximately 40 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes, and is a leading killer of young Americans. Despite tremendous efforts, the rate of alcohol involvement in traffic crashes has reached a plateau over the past 4 years, with only tiny decreases (down only 1.6 percent in 1997). The December holidays are among the deadliest times of the year on our nation’s highways, and impaired driving is a big part of the problem.

The [LOCAL 3D COALITION] is joining with hundreds of organizations around the country to declare December Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month and to call for stronger policies and programs to deter impaired driving.

The [LOCAL 3D COALITION] will ask motorists to participate in Lights on for Life Day on Friday, December 18, by driving with their headlights on all day to remind people about the impaired driving problem and to remember those killed by impaired drivers. [LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT] will announce its plans for National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend, Friday, December 18 through Sunday, December 20. Law enforcement agencies across the nation will step up enforcement efforts against impaired drivers, speeders, aggressive drivers, and others who make the roads especially dangerous at this time of year.