Over The Limit? Under Arrest!
Maine State Police will be cracking down on impaired driving from August 20th - September 6th. In association with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the nationwide safety campaign Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest will help educate Americans on the dangers of drinking and driving while attempting to put an end to it.
Each year, nearly 12,000 people die in accidents in which a driver was at or above the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of .08. Recent studies show that 32 percent of fatalities in motor vehicle accidents involve an intoxicated driver, with the highest percentage of alcohol impaired drivers in fatal crashes age 21-24.
Approximately 10,000 police agencies nationwide will participate in this year’s Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign. Police departments in Maine will be aggressively looking for impaired drivers during the crackdown regardless of age, vehicle type or time of day, and setting up roadblocks at random times.
Violators will be arrested on the spot and could face jail time, loss of drivers license, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. In the least severe situation, drunk drivers will face increased insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs and lost time at work. In the most extreme cases, fatalities may occur.
The national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign combines high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity. The educational campaign is supported by $31 million in national and state advertisements.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the effects of tragic accidents involving alcohol on a regular basis. We applaud the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for their efforts in preventing drinking and driving and would like to pass along their safety tips for a safe Labor Day weekend:
- If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
- If impaired, call a taxi, a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get you home safely.
- Wear a seat while in a car and a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle.
- If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys.
- Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement.
The Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign is designed to keep both Mainers and the Maine roadways safe. So remember, the next time you’re in the precarious position of driving or riding with a driver who’s impaired, don’t be a statistic – Stay Safe and Arrive Alive!
For more information on the national safety campaign please visit: www.StopImpairedDriving.org.
