By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
To ensure that holiday travels don’t end in tragedy, the Glasgow Police Department and the Kentucky State Police are participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign.
The campaign, which is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lasts until Jan. 1, 2026. During the Christmas and New Year holiday period there is often an increase in drunk-driving deaths and crashes, according to the administration which also stated that December drunk-driving deaths are “one of the highest in 15 years.”
A blood alcohol concentration of .02 can decrease a person’s visual functions and their multitasking capabilities; at .05 a person’s coordination is reduced and their concentration is reduced at .08; and at .15 there is substantial impairment, the administration stated. For context, the legal blood alcohol concentration in Kentucky is .08 and a .15 constitutes an aggravated DUI charge.
The Kentucky State Police offers steps to prevent impaired driving over the holiday season:
· Plan Ahead: If alcohol or any impairing substance is part of your celebration, arrange a sober ride before you leave home.
· Use Safe Transportation: Rideshare services, taxis, and public transit are reliable alternatives to driving impaired.
· Report Impaired Drivers: If you encounter a vehicle being operated dangerously, pull over safely and contact 911 or your nearest KSP Post.
· Wear Your Seatbelt: Seatbelts save lives, reduce injuries, and provide essential protection against impaired drivers.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that one person is killed, on average, about every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash across the country, totaling more than 12,000 killed each year.
Comments