Traffic Safety Coalition Warns Drivers Against Impaired Driving

CHICAGO, IL, September 02, 2011 (Press-News.org) As Labor Day Weekend and the end of summer approach, The Traffic Safety Coalition (TSC) will join efforts with nearly 10,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving from August 19-September 5.

Each year, nearly 12,000 people die on our roads due to impaired driving. TSC encourages safety advocates everywhere to join forces in an effort to crack down on impaired driving and reduce roadway fatalities.

"No family should ever have to endure the loss of a loved one because someone impaired crashed their car. This week is a reminder to all drivers of the negative effects of driving impaired," said Traffic Safety Coalition co-Chair Paul Oberhauser. "We applaud the law enforcement agencies nationwide and encourage drivers to follow the traffic safety laws."

In 2009 alone, 10,839 people died in crashes in which a driver or motorcycle rider was at or above the legal limit, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The age group with the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes was the 21-to-24 age group.

"Labor Day marks the end of summer and the last of many hurrahs for backyard barbeques, picnics and parties, often including alcohol as a part of celebrations," said Rita Kreslin, Director of Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM). "Typically Labor Day is one of the most deadly holidays of the year on our roadways and we simply ask that when you celebrate, make the right choice - don't drink and drive."

Across the country, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 grams per deciliter or higher. According to the latest data, nearly a third of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC above the legal limit - an average of one fatality every 48 minutes.

The crackdown will include law enforcement officers in every state, Washington, D.C., and many U.S. cities and towns.

The Traffic Safety Coalition's campaigns focus on working with concerned citizens, traffic safety experts, law enforcement, public officials, victim's advocates and health care professionals who are committed to making our roads safer for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

To become a partner of for more information, visit http://www.trafficsafetycoalition.com

About the Traffic Safety Coalition:

The Traffic Safety Coalition is a not-for-profit, grassroots organization comprised of concerned citizens, traffic safety experts, law enforcement, public officials, victim's advocates, health care professionals, and industry leaders who are committed to working together to make our roads safer for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. We work with our partners throughout the country to promote technology and education that save lives and keep our roads safe. For more information, visit http://www.trafficsafetycoalition.com