National Events

December Is a Time To Focus on the Problem of Impaired Driving

In 1997, alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths in the younger age groups (ages 15 to 20) decreased by 5 percent. Overall, alcohol-related fatalities decreased in 1997 to 16,189, the lowest in the history of reporting (38.6 percent). Statistics also 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, motorcyclists, and pedestrians to show how different elements of the community, by working together, can make a positive impact on impaired driving. The National 3D Coalition is sponsoring three major national events in which communities can Take a Stand Against Impaired Driving.

Thursday, December 17, 1998
A National 3D Prevention Month news conference to call attention to the consequences of impaired driving.

Friday, December 18, 1998
National Lights on for Life Day during which motorists and motorcyclists are encouraged to drive with their headlights on in the remembrance of those who have been killed or injured in an impaired driving incident.

December 18-20, 1998
National Holiday Lifesaver Weekend to encourage increased enforcement of impaired driving laws during the December holiday season.

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 chapter of this Resource Guide. For more information on young and adult drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians, contact:

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis

NRD-31

400 Seventh Street, SW

Washington, DC 20590

Phone: 202) 366-4198

Fax: (202) 366-7078