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So far, 91 DUIs on Saipan, zero on Tinian
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Posted on Nov 26 2008
From January to October 2008, the Department of Public Safety made 98 arrests for driving while under the influence of alcohol on Saipan, none on Tinian, and four on Rota.
According to DPS, the CNMI also recorded one related DUI fatality that happened on Saipan in the same period.
DPS disclosed the numbers yesterday during Gov. Benigno Fitial’s proclamation declaring December as CNMI Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month (3Ds).
DPS said that in 2007, a total of 41,059 people nationwide died in motor vehicle traffic crashes and that 32 percent of these crashes were the result of alcohol-impaired driving.
During the month of December in 2007, 3,235 people were reportedly killed in crashes on America’s roadways. Of that number, 992 people died in crashes that involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
At the proclamation signing held at DPS Central Office in Susupe, Fitial said the 3Ds program raises awareness of the impact of impaired driving.
“When they drive, they care not only for their own lives, but also for the lives of others, a strict awareness of safety when they’re driving,” Fitial said.
DPS Commissioner Santiago Tudela said they are going to strictly enforce the laws against drunk and drugged drivers this December.
“If you go out drinking, you should take with you a designated driver,” Tudela said.
He said they get more traffic fatalities during the holiday season due to drunk drivers.
“So what we are going to do is we want to make sure you are safe during the holidays. We want you to reach your destination safely,” the commissioner said.
