In my area last week, a veteran Fort Worth Police Sergeant was killed by an accused drunk driver while helping at the scene of an accident. Sgt. Billy Randolph was a 29-year veteran officer. The community honored him at a candlelight vigil last Wednesday night, which was his birthday.
Sgt. Randolph leaves behind a wife and daughter and was preceded in death by a son. Drunk driving is a choice. Let this tragedy be a reminder to not drink and drive. NHTSA is starting its annual Labor Day Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over campaign. However, as we know from the case of Sgt. Randolph, the penalty can be much more severe than just getting a DUI charge. '
NHTSA cites Labor Day as one of the busiest and deadliest holiday travel times due to alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. This year's messaging includes a new TV ad aimed at motorcycle riders titled “Don’t Roll the Throttle," designed to remind the public that riding while impaired is dangerous and has serious legal consequences. Other public service messages include If You Feel Different, You Drive Different – Drive High, Get a DUI.
During last week's campaign kick off, NHTSA cited recent data showing alcohol-impaired-driving traffic fatalities comprised 32% of all traffic fatalities in 2022, and more than a third (40%) of U.S. states are above that national average. The federal agency says while traffic fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes decreased by 0.7% — from 13,617 to 13,524 fatalities from 2021 to 2022 — one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality still occurred on average every 39 minutes.
Photo: NHTSA.
The Car Pro Show joins NHTSA in urging everyone to plan ahead and never drive after consuming alcohol, marijuana or other drugs. Instead, designate a sober driver, or call a ride-hailing service or taxi to make sure you get home safely. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is illegal in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Photo: Fort Worth Police Department/Facebook.