Drunk driving: over the limit/under arrest

    The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office today announced the extension of its enforcement crackdown through the holiday season for Aroostook County  under the tagline: “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” The intensified enforcement effort against drunk drivers underscores the severity of the problem both locally and across the nation.     According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in December 2007, 992 people were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher – above the legal limit in every state as well as the District of Columbia.
    “We will be out in force making sure drunk drivers are off the road,” said [Craig Clossey, Chief Deputy. “There is no excuse to drive while impaired, period.  Everyone has access to a cell phone.  Everyone can make a call to a friend for a ride.  Call the person you would have called to bail you out after getting caught operating impaired.   If we catch you, we will arrest you, test you, and then book you in Jail. No exceptions. No excuses.”
    In 2007, 12,998 fatalities occurred in crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider (operator) who had a .08 or above Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) compared with 13,491 in 2006. [The Sheriff’s Office emphasized the critical role law enforcement plays in helping solve this serious problem.
“Even though we’ve seen nationwide reductions in drunk driving deaths since 2007, our work is far from over” said [Sheriff Madore.  “Too many people continue to suffer tragic injuries and the loss of a loved one as a result of this serious crime.”
    The Sheriff’s Office  recommends designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk as just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include:
• Plan ahead — Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
• If you’re impaired — call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement.
• Wearing your seat belt or using protective gear on your motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver.
    “Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. It is deadly serious and against the law. Violators will be spending their money on bail, court, lawyers and towing fees instead of buying holiday presents for loved ones. That’s not a great way to end the year,” said Sheriff Madore.
    Since 1981, every President of the United States has demonstrated a commitment to the prevention of impaired driving by proclaiming December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.