Senator Bonacic Urges Motorists to Exercise Caution, Not Drink and Drive During the Holiday Season

(Middletown, NY)- State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) today, urged motorists to exercise caution, and not drink and drive this holiday season. Local and state law enforcement agencies will be stepping up enforcement efforts to reduce impaired driving from December 17 to January 1, as part of the National Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign, which is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

According to the NHTSA, 35,092 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2015, and 29 percent of those fatalities took place in a crash involving a drunk driver. That same year, 840 people lost their lives in drunk-driving related crashes in the month of December alone.

“With Christmas and the New Year fast approaching, New Yorkers will take to the roads to attend parties and family gatherings and it’s vital that they travel safely,” said Senator Bonacic. “Driving under the influence not only endangers your life but the lives of everyone on the road. I commend our local police agencies for stepping up drunk driving enforcement, with the goal of making the holidays safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

In addition to its Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, the NHTSA has created the SafeRide App. Once downloaded, the App allows users to call a taxi or friend, and identify their location so they may be picked up. The App is available on all Android and Apple devices. A link to the App can be found here.