Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Driver in a Santa hat looking in the rear view mirror with the flashing police lights reflected in it. Test overlay of If you mistake these for pretty holiday lights, you shouldn't be driving.

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2011 Holiday Crackdown

December 16 - January 2

During the holiday season, many adults celebrate and enjoy themselves with a couple of drinks, but even one too many increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle. Last year, 10,228 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, including 415 during the second half of December alone.

That’s why State Highway Safety Offices are working with their state and local law enforcement partners to apprehend all drunk drivers and reminder drivers to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. See below for a list of specific state activities.

Alabama—The Alabama Law Enforcement and Traffic Safety Division is working with local law enforcement agencies and the Alabama Highway Patrol (HP) to emphasize DUI enforcement this holiday season. Enforcing seatbelt, child restraint and speeding laws are secondary goals of the blitz. Law enforcement officers are using checkpoints, saturation patrols, line patrols and LIDAR details to detect drunk, unbuckled, or speeding drivers. Alabama HP are targeting locations with a high incidence of alcohol related crashes. In addition, some localities are hosting media events to increase awareness, and press releases are being submitted to local news outlets.
Alaska—DUI enforcement is ramping up throughout Alaska, especially on the roadway between Fairbanks and Homer, the main transportation surface for more than 88% of the population. The Bureau of Highway Patrol and local law enforcement departments are patrolling the “hot spots” to find and arrest impaired drivers. The Alaska Highway Safety Office is launching an aggressive statewide media campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over / Drink. Drive. Go To Jail., to spread the message through TV, radio, bus signs and Facebook. Earned media is being provided through press releases and a monthly radio talk show with the Commissioners of Public Safety and Transportation and Public Facilities.
American Samoa—The American Samoa Department of Public Safety (DPS) Law Enforcement is conducting saturation patrols throughout the crackdown campaign period, with a particular emphasis on underage enforcement. Roadblocks are scheduled at selected locations. The DPS is also conducting public awareness through various media, and it partnering with the Department of Human & Social Services in support of a Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Campaign.
Arizona—The Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety kicked off its Holiday DUI Enforcement and Designated Sober Driver campaigns with a DUI Task Force press conference on Nov. 29 on the Arizona State Capitol Mall. The event featured six new DUI processing vehicles purchased by GOHS for various police departments across the state. DUI Task Force enforcement is running statewide throughout the holiday period.
Arkansas—Arkansas law enforcement officers are working overtime conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols during a highly visible Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization Dec. 16 through Jan. 2. A statewide media buy includes radio, TV and Internet ads targeting 18- to 34-year-old males. The Arkansas Highway Safety Office is distributing a statewide news release. The Highway Department is displaying messages statewide on changeable message boards.
California—The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) holiday DUI campaign kicks off with a press event to alert the media and California drivers about the stepped up DUI enforcement patrols taking place. This year’s public awareness campaign is built around "RUOK?," with the message, "If you have to ask if someone is okay to drive, then you already know the answer." Messages are being placed in bars and restaurants, and the campaign features a large social media component involving Facebook, Twitter, and Quick Response (QR) codes. Enforcement efforts include several hundred extra checkpoints and saturation patrols by the California Highway Patrol, more than 200 local law enforcement agencies, and 40 county task forces.
Colorado—The Colorado State Patrol and 80 law enforcement agencies are conducting a special “Heat Is On” holiday DUI crackdown. CDOT is once again conducting its “Plan Ahead Colorado” campaign to encourage party-goers to arrange safe, sober transportation in advance of holiday celebrations. Information on www.PlanAheadColorado.com includes safe party tips, overnight parking options, and public transportation alternatives such as free bus and light rail rides on New Year’s Eve. This year’s campaign includes creative materials borrowed from TxDOT. Outreach includes billboards, website banner ads and posters featuring Santa and his reindeer with messages like “Don’t drive if you’re tipsy, buzzed or Blitzen. Get a sober ride or call a cab.” CDOT is partnering with the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association and MillerCoors to distribute posters and cooler decals to liquor stores and bars throughout the state. CDOT is also using its newly launched Facebook page to encourage drivers to play the interactive “Keys for the Holidays Elf Game” for a chance to win ski lift tickets. Check it out at www.facebook.com/ColoradoDOT.
Connecticut—Connecticut is conducting a broad traffic safety media campaign including TV, radio, billboards and bus panels. Three state-specific TV commercials reinforce the seat belt safety message and discuss the dangers of impaired driving and speeding, and 23 variable message signs are displaying the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over message on major Interstate highways. To date, the Connecticut Highway Safety Office (HSO) has awarded 73 DUI enforcement grants to state and local law enforcement agencies for the holiday period. Activities include saturation patrols and more than 57 planned DUI checkpoints throughout the state. The HSO also has provided refresher Standardized Field Sobriety Test training to more than 125 officers and funded certification for seven Drug Recognition Experts. Additional promotional activities include: holiday DUI advertising images installed in three major shopping malls; signage and “Sober Driver” seat upgrade promotion at UConn Basketball games; an increased Facebook presence via public outreach events and promotional giveaways; and updates to www.Drink-Drive-Lose.com, such as safety tips for the season.
Delaware—The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has scheduled more than 1,000 roving DUI patrols, 133 aggressive driving patrols, 114 seat belt patrols, and two seat belt checkpoints for its Safe Family Holiday campaign, running from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Paid media includes radio, cable TV, billboards, indoor advertising, and the Internet. Earned media includes weekly press releases of enforcement activity results and updates on the DUI Trees. These trees are housed with four of OHS's corporate partners: AI DuPont Hospital, Beebe Hospital, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, and Kent General Hospital. Each tree begins with white lights, which are replaced by green lights for each alcohol-related injury or red lights for each alcohol-related fatality. In addition, "mocktail" parties are being held with area business, towns, and hospitals. Mocktail parties are non-alcoholic cocktail parties that provide safety information, responsible party hosting tips, and samples of “smart” party foods.
Georgia—More than five hundred Georgia police agencies are conducting DUI road checks and patrols to keep families safe on the road this holiday season. The state's Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization runs Dec. 16 - Jan. 2. News conferences are being held around the state to announce regional high visibility crackdown activities. Additionally, the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety has created a smartphone application for iPhone and Android phones that will allow users to search their area for programs that provide safe and sober rides home. Social media is being employed through Facebook and Twitter to reach millions of 18-34-year-old, high-risk drivers.
Guam—The Guam Department of Public Works - Office of Highway Safety is kicks off its campaign Dec. 13 with a "WAVE" in front of the Department, located on the main highway in Guam. Representatives from the Guam Police Department, Airport Police Division, Guam Fire Department, Office of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, MADD, and military installations will wave to the motorist and hold signs and posters reminding them to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Live to Celebrate Again. The Guam Police Department and the Airport Police Division are conducting several high visibility enforcement efforts, including stationary DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols. Public service announcements are airing on radio and TV to publicize the campaign. Other activities include: outreach to various organizations and schools on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving; vehicles that have been involved in impaired crashes, with Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over messages, displayed in areas where high incidences of fatalities and injuries have occurred; and MADD Red Ribbon events.
Idaho—The Idaho Office of Highway Safety is rolling out a new program during the 2011 holiday mobilization. Under this "One Team" concept, law enforcement agencies in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana are coordinating their impaired driving enforcement efforts. Many rural law enforcement agencies in these states lack the resources to conduct effective high visibility enforcement on their own. By sharing resources, staff, and communication tools, “One Team” helps motorists realize that, no matter where they drive, law enforcement officers are out in full force looking for impaired drivers. The message is: “No matter where or what you drive, if we catch you driving impaired, you will be arrested.” For the December mobilization, Idaho is leading the “One Team” concept along the Idaho, Washington and Oregon borders, with Idaho Law Enforcement Liaisons spearheading the effort.
Illinois—The Illinois Division of Traffic Safety's 2011 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday crackdown continues Illinois’ recent effort to lower the number of alcohol-involved and unrestrained fatalities that occur late at night. More than 200 state and local law enforcement agencies are conducting hundreds of impaired driving and late night belt enforcement details, including roadside safety checks and safety belt enforcement zones. Numerous news events are taking place around the state, as well as a two-week, statewide media buy featuring radio, cable and broadcast TV, online, out-of-home and Internet ads – all reminding motorists that if they are caught driving impaired or unbuckled at night, they will be arrested and/or ticketed.
Indiana—Having recently wrapped up its Safe Family Travel enforcement campaign (Nov. 11-27), the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Traffic Safety Division continues to promote safe and sober driving throughout the month of December, primarily through earned media. To support these efforts, uniquely developed online advertising featuring the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over tagline is viewable through New Year’s Day.
Iowa—The Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau has several enforcement and awareness activities planned. Local police departments are working extra enforcement patrols. Specific activities include: distracted driving and DUI workshops; holiday greetings tagged with the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over message; an increased police presence shopping areas; and public awareness messages via radio and media releases.
Kentucky—Law enforcement agencies across Kentucky are conducting traffic safety checkpoints and additional traffic patrol enforcement efforts through the holiday period. The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is distributing a statewide press release warning drivers of the dangers of drunk driving and preparing them for the increase in law enforcement. Radio and television public service announcements are airing statewide promoting the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over message. Social media is being utilized, targeting a young male audience. In the 25 counties with the highest number of alcohol-related fatalities, the Drive Sober message is being displayed on restroom signs and drink coasters in bars and restaurants. The campaign is also featured on the KOHS website, and KOHS has partnered with WLEX-TV to appear on their afternoon news show to promote the campaign.
Louisiana—The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has concentrated law enforcement outreach this holiday season using both saturation patrols and DWI checkpoints in all metropolitan areas. "No Refusal" policies continue to gain momentum, and it is expected that more than 10 jurisdictions will be implementing "No Refusal" practices during the holidays.
Maine—The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety's (MeBHS) holiday impaired driving enforcement campaign runs Nov. 14 - Jan. 2. Forty-one local police departments, five county Sheriffs' offices, and the Maine State Police are participating, with $200,000 being awarded to these departments to fund their overtime enforcement efforts. Participating agencies are notifying their communities of stepped up enforcement efforts. MeBHS's Law Enforcement Liaison is helping participating agencies with grant requirements. MeBHS is making the public aware of this campaign in many ways, including alerts and trafficsafetymarketing.gov promotional materials posted on the MeBHS Facebook page.
Maryland—The Maryland Highway Safety Office has a lot planned during this holiday season. Law enforcement agencies statewide are conducting highly visible enforcement, including sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and special holiday operations. Project SOLO (Saving Our Loved Ones) is a coordinated mass saturation patrol effort (no less than 10 patrol cars in high-risk DUI Zones ) in the Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Prince George’s and Montgomery County areas. To spread awareness, the Maryland Impaired Driving Coalition is distributing nearly 16,000 Christmas Tree tags with a drive sober message to tree lots, car dealerships, and motorcycle dealerships throughout the state. Liquor stores and liquor boards are being given more than 15,000 wine bags printed with messaging to encourage designated drivers. Maryland commemorates the lives of impaired driving victims during the 8th Annual Maryland Remembers Ceremony on Dec 7, in Annapolis, bringing victims' families together to remember their loved ones and remind Maryland citizens that the senseless act of impaired driving impacts real people. Finally, radio stations 98 Rock and The Fan are conducting wet demonstrations to show the actual impact of alcohol on an individual's system and why driving after drinking is a bad idea, discussing positive alternatives to driving after drinking.
Massachusetts—The Massachusetts Highway Safety Division is conducting a press conference with the MA State Police to discuss efforts to combat drunk driving during the mobilization. The state is supplementing the national media buy with local cinema advertising in 800 movie screens and targeted web advertisements. A press release has been disseminated for participating police offices to use at a local level. A statewide press release is also being drafted. In addition, digital billboards display the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” message on 16 of the most heavily trafficked areas of the state through a PSA agreement with the MassDOT’s Office of Outdoor Advertising.
Michigan—Local, county and state law enforcement agencies across Michigan are taking part in a drunk driving crackdown that starts Dec. 16 and runs through Jan. 2. Agencies in 26 counties are dedicating extra patrols to drunk driving enforcement during the holidays. Two media events are scheduled on Dec. 15 in Lansing and West Michigan to announce the campaign.
Mississippi—The Mississippi Office of Highway Safety held press events Dec. 5 in McComb and Brookhaven, Dec. 6 in Natchez, Dec. 12 in Greenville, and Dec. 14 in Meridian. Beginning Dec. 5, the office is issuing press releases across the state, and Law Enforcement Liaisons luncheons are scheduled in each of the 9 Troop districts during the blitz period.
Missouri—To kick off the campaign, Missouri hosted a day of remembrance on Tues., Nov. 29 at the State Capitol. The event, Missouri Remembers, included speakers from the State Highway Patrol, Missouri DOT and MADD and features the placement of 217 engraved ornaments on a tree to commemorate each person killed in an alcohol-related traffic crash. In addition, the Missouri DOT Traffic and Highway Safety Division is unveiling its new Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over logo. Two weeks of paid video, digital, radio and Internet ads ran Nov. 28 to Dec. 10 to support the campaign. These ads target males aged 18-34. Some ads are running on digital jukeboxes in nightclubs in the St. Louis and Kansas City Area. The Missouri DOT is also partnering with radio stations in St. Louis and Kansas City to promote its Show Me My Buzz iPhone app at New Year's Eve celebrations. The app calculates a person's estimated BAC based on weight, gender, and the number of drinks consumed over a specific time period. It always recommends getting a sober driver if the user has had anything to drink, and it helps call a cab with the touch of a button.
Montana—The Montana Highway Safety Office is working with its media coordinator to send out holiday press releases to each law enforcement agency contracted for S.T.E.P. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program). These releases are templates that local law enforcement officers can tailor to include their own message in support of the S.T.E.P. activities they are conducting. The releases can be printed in the local newspapers and submitted to local radio stations to air as earned media. In addition, a media contractor is disseminating drinking and driving messages to the public via online newspapers and television as part of the state's Plan2Live campaign. Learn more at http://plan2live.mt.gov.
Nebraska—In addition to regular traffic enforcement operations by state and local agencies, an additional 7,000 grant supported hours of enforcement are scheduled during the mobilization. These include sobriety checkpoints, alcohol license compliance checks, and saturation patrols. Besides the traditional media messaging, the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety is partnering with the U.S. Postal Service on a pilot effort in to display illuminated “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” on Postal Service vehicles in the Omaha metro area throughout the month.
New Jersey—New Jersey law enforcement is cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the year-end Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Approximately 100 local police agencies are receiving $5,000 grants for saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints. The New Jersey State Police also participates. All police departments have received information packets on the initiative and are asked to participate and report their arrest statistics. A sample news release was distributed for police to send to local media to help further publicize their efforts. There is also a general release for statewide distribution. The program is featured prominently on the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety website, where public education information and collateral campaign materials are readily accessible to local municipalities and the general public. Local municipalities are also using banners and mobile video display signs to further promote the dangers of drinking and driving.
New Mexico—During this holiday season, the New Mexico Traffic Safety Bureau is teaming up with local, state and tribal law enforcement agencies to participate in a 52-day winter superblitz campaign from Nov. 18 - Jan. 8. Police are out in force throughout the state conducting checkpoints, saturation patrols, nighttime seatbelt enforcement, and looking out for unbelted occupants. The superblitz kicked off with a press event at a local Albuquerque bar and included new television, radio and print ads with different endings to demonstrate there are options to drinking and getting behind the wheel. The state is also utilizing social media and has launched a website – ydydyl.com – where people can view the television ads over the Internet.
New York—The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), the New York State STOP-DWI Association, and local and state police are joining forces to participate in the Holiday STOP-DWI Enforcement Crackdown running Dec. 16 through Jan. 2. Saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and underage drinking bar sweeps are all part of the effort. In addition, county STOP-DWI programs are holding local press conferences to localize their message. GTSC has also begun airing its "Drinking and Driving – Not an Option!" television and radio commercial statewide through New Year's Day. In addition, both the New York State Police and the STOP-DWI Association are airing public service announcements regarding the state’s recently enacted ignition interlock law. Finally, both the Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs’ Associations are publicizing the crackdown and associated crackdown materials on their respective websites.
North Carolina—The North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is conducting its holiday Booze It & Lose It campaign Dec. 3 through Jan. 2. State and local law enforcement officers are participating in stepped up checkpoints and patrols. GHSP is conducting a media event at Old Salem Square in Winston-Salem on Dec. 1 to kick off the mobilization. This event highlights the Forsyth County DWI Enforcement Team that made 718 impaired driving arrests between Nov. 17, 2010 and Sept. 30, 2011. A statewide Tree of Life ceremony and candlelight vigil was held Dec. 2 at the State Capitol in Raleigh, followed by a Western North Carolina candlelight vigil in Canton on Dec. 4, and an Eastern North Carolina Tree of Life ceremony and law enforcement awards ceremony held at the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington on Dec. 9. The Tree of Life is dedicated to the 1,327 lives lost in traffic crashes in 2010 on North Carolina roads, and the candlelight vigil remembers the 437 lives lost as a result of impaired driving. The Tree of Life remains on display at the State Capitol through Jan. 3.
North Dakota—From mid-December through New Year's Eve, the North Dakota Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Office is airing two impaired driving prevention ads. One features a North Dakota law enforcement officer whose mother was killed by a drunk driver (view at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mULGAUkB6ow). The second ad, entitled Don’t Forget TODD (TO Designate a Driver), encourages the use of a designated driver (view at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3qeSy3Foe0).
Ohio—Through the funding and coordination of the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, local law enforcement around the state are planning more than 5,800 hours of enforcement this holiday season, including eight sobriety checkpoints and more than 1,900 hours of saturation patrols. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is also increasing its presence on the state's highways. Enforcement efforts are supported by a statewide paid media buy, using the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over message. Earned media efforts include a media release focusing on sober driving and partnering with MADD for its annual Tie One On For Safety red ribbon campaign.
Oklahoma—Oklahoma Highway Safety Office holiday enforcement efforts kicked off Nov. 23, with Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) Troopers stationed every 13 miles along I-40 from state border to state border between 4:00 p.m. and midnight. Efforts continue Dec. 1 - 3, with a TLC (The Learning Channel) film crew producing the television series “DUI” accompanying law enforcement officers to record these efforts. During the extended Christmas weekend, all OHP Troop divisions and local law enforcement agencies are working overtime to conduct saturation patrols statewide. New Year’s holiday enforcement activities begin with a media event followed by multi-agency special emphasis enforcement efforts in Tulsa County. Bar checks, sobriety check points, and saturation patrols will focus on the prevention of impaired driving and – through the AAA’s Tipsy Tow service – offer alternatives to getting behind the wheel while impaired. During the New Year’s holiday weekend, the TLC film crew will again be on hand to film activities.
Oregon—Oregon kicked off the holidays with a proclamation by Governor Kitzhaber declaring December to be Drinking and Drugged Driving Awareness month. Additionally, police agencies are conducting saturation patrols throughout the state in high impact areas, having Drug Recognition Experts available as well. These saturation patrols are supported by paid media and conducted through multi-agency law enforcement activities. Oregon has dramatically dropped the fatality rate for those who are driving impaired and hopes that the 2011 holidays demonstrate a continued decrease in fatalities through a combination of enforcement and education.
Pennsylvania—Pennsylvania is conducting increased DUI enforcement throughout December as part of the statewide Operation Safe Holiday campaign. More than 600 municipal police and all State Police troops are expected to participate. Last year during the holiday crackdown, 156 DUI and 120 speeding citations were written. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Highway Safety & Traffic Engineering expects that increased police participation will lead to fewer impaired driving crashes and fatalities. Press conferences and other public awareness events, using the theme Safe Ride Home, are occurring in all 11 PennDOT districts. Additionally, video message boards across the state are displaying the Over the Limit. Under Arrest. message.
South Carolina—As a lead-in to its Sober or Slammer! crackdown, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (DPS) launched a designated driver campaign called Be a SANTA! A Sober All Night Totally Awesome Designated Driver. Running Dec. 1 through Jan.1, this pilot program is limited to the Columbia area this holiday season. With the help of the SC Hospitality Association and its members, Be a SANTA is reaching out to restaurant and bar patrons with an anti-DUI message that is fun and potentially life-saving. Be a SANTA emphasizes the importance of designated drivers choosing ahead of time to remain alcohol-free all night long. The Sober or Slammer! holiday crackdown combines law enforcement activities such as public safety checkpoints and saturation patrols with both paid and earned media. More than 150 local law enforcement agencies are participating. The media component includes two television ads that based on the "24" series. These ads educate the public on the consequences of impaired driving and encourage viewers to report impaired drivers by calling *HP (*47). In addition, the state DOT is displaying crackdown on variable message boards during campaign weekends. On Dec. 15, the South Carolina Office of Highway Safety is holding a press event at the Statehouse to launch the campaign.
South Dakota—This year, South Dakota’s Office of Highway Safety, Volunteers of America - Dakotas and AAA are combining forces for “Tipsy Tow.” From Dec. 16 through Jan. 2, residents can get a free ride for themselves and their vehicles. In addition, the 31st "Christmas at the Capitol" in Pierre draws thousands of visitors yearly, featuring about 100 trees decorated by area businesses and groups. The Department of Public Safety features a Fatality Tree honoring those who lost their lives in alcohol related crashes. The 49 decorated stars remind all who visit the Capitol of the lost lives due to drinking and driving. Finally, the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over logo is being disseminated on coasters in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Watertown, Yankton and Mitchell.
Texas—Targeted impaired driving mobilizations are taking place across Texas. In addition, many local law enforcement agencies are conducting "No Refusal" enforcement efforts to get drunk drivers off the roads. TxDOT is broadcasting its "Reindeer Barn" public service announcement on TV and online, and billboards statewide feature a “Santa’s Coming To Town” theme. A variety of interactive vehicles are planned for the 2011 campaign. Social media is delivering a designated driver message to the core audience through special communications from Santa on Facebook and MySpace. The “Holiday Countdown Calendar” reveals a new seasonal tip every day in December, through New Year’s Eve. Topics include party planning tips, seasonal non-alcoholic drink recipes, and other festive advice to keep the holidays safe and fun. Additional campaign components are gas pump topper ads, taxi toppers, eCast digital jukebox ads, animated and static web banners on Evite, posters, and napkins. Media runs Dec, 5 to Jan. 1. Visit the TxDOT website to learn more.
Utah—The Utah Highway Safety Office (HSO) kicks off its December DUI Crackdown Mobilization on Dec.16 with a media event at a local Christmas tree lot. The HSO is “staging” a drunk driving crash, bringing in a wrecked car to make it look like a drunk driver plowed into the lot – tipping down the chain link fence, knocking over trees, etc. A formal press event is being held in front of the scene with a banner, “Remember, drunk driving and the holidays don’t mix." The statewide enforcement blitz runs from Dec. 16 to Jan. 2 and includes both saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints.
Virginia—The Virginia Highway Safety Office is joining the NHTSA Region 3 effort: Checkpoint Strikeforce - Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. In the 10 years of Checkpoint Strikeforce, Virginia has seen a 23 percent decrease in alcohol traffic deaths and a 32 percent decrease in alcohol related injuries. Checkpoint Strikeforce works to lower DUI related crashes through aggressive enforcement, checkpoints and media. Additionally, Virginia is supporting organizations throughout the state with designated driver programs, taxi programs, and tow programs, and is providing suggestions and ideas for responsible party hosting throughout the holiday season.
Washington—Law enforcement are conducting saturation patrols statewide Nov. 24 to Jan. 1, an effort supported by paid and earned media, state DOT communications, and community outreach efforts. In addition to TV, radio, billboards, and Facebook ads, paid media includes three innovative methods to reach 18- to 34-year-old men: advertising in social media games, where players can score extra points by watching a “Double Vision” spot; mobile app pre-roll ads; and (in the Seattle area in partnership with the CBS affiliate station) a “ClickIt2Ride” program that lets bar or restaurant patrons scan a QR code to find a cab. In addition, Internet ads link to waTikiLeaks.com, with dates, times and locations of upcoming patrols; an “impending patrols” news release features extraordinary victim advocates; and a “virtual ride-along” will be available via State Patrol tweets. The State DOT’s variable message signs and Highway Advisory Radio System announcements alert the public to the ongoing mobilization. Target Zero managers around the state developed local paid media and community outreach plans, which include a version of Tipsy Taxi, bus transit ads, and local radio ads.
West Virginia—The West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program is conducting an enforcement blitz throughout December, with emphasis on the Christmas through New Year's time period. This includes an increased number of all three types of sobriety checkpoints: standard checkpoints, with 12 or more police officers on the major roads; low manpower checkpoints on the secondary and rural roads; and phantom checkpoints in areas where other types are not feasible. The number of saturation and directed patrols is also increasing. West Virginia encourages local police agencies to engage in multi-jurisdictional activities and, mixing the types of checkpoints and other enforcement activities to emphasize the police presence throughout the state. Approximately 104 Municipal Police Agencies and County Sheriff’s Departments, as well as all 63 State Police Detachments, are anticipated to participate in enforcement activities. The state is also increasing its paid and earned media efforts from the prior year.
Wisconsin—To prevent deaths and injuries from traffic crashes during the upcoming holiday season, law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin are cracking down on impaired and unbuckled motorists during the Booze and Belts traffic safety campaign running from Dec. 9 through Dec.17. Last December, there were nearly 13,000 traffic crashes in Wisconsin—the most of any month in 2010—which caused 37 deaths and more than 3,800 injuries, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Law enforcement officers also are on the lookout for unbelted drivers and passengers during Booze and Belts and are strictly enforcing the state's mandatory safety belt law. Last year, there were nearly 120,000 convictions in Wisconsin for failure to fasten safety belts, which was the second most frequent traffic conviction.
Wyoming—The State of Wyoming is targeting drunk drivers through high visibility enforcement, television, radio, print and a digital message boards. Messaging includes a Public Service Announcement (PSA) incorporated the phrase "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, Designate a Sober Driver" into a popular holiday song. Ads are also being placed on sports, newspapers and college websites. Digital message boards will display: "Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving - Report Every Drunk Driver - #HELP (4357)." The state is capitalizing on the University of Wyoming football team's participation in the New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 17. Several sponsor ads are running on the Mountain Sports Network as part of the Bowl Preview Show, and ESPN (which is carrying the game) will run four buzzed driving ads. The team's bowl appearance is expected to draw a significant number of viewers statewide. At the local level, grant funded media coordinators are placing posters around the state in bars, restaurants, etc. reminding Wyomingites that law enforcement will be out in force this holiday season. Media coordinators are also submitting letters to the editors for publication in local newspapers.