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Alcohol-related car crashes dropping since 2009
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Posted on Nov 25 2011
By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter
Reporter
Alcohol-related vehicular crashes in the CNMI have significantly decreased since 2009, according to the Department of Public Safety.
Police records show that in 2009, 82 of 1,914 traffic crashes were alcohol-related. Of seven fatalities, three were caused by alcohol-related crashes.
In 2010, 68 of 1,256 vehicular crashes were alcohol-related. Of five fatalities, alcohol was a contributing factor in three fatalities.
This year, from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, DPS said that only 57 of 1,962 traffic crashes were alcohol-related, and only one fatality in which alcohol was a contributing factor.
DPS said that comparing 2009 and 2011 shows a 17-percent decline in alcohol-related crashes. From 2009 to 2010, DPS said, there was also a 16-percent decline in alcohol-related crashes.
On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos signed a proclamation declaring December as CNMI Drunk and Drugged Driving (3Ds) Prevention Month.
“As we celebrate the joyous holiday season, we can help save lives by preventing impaired driving. In order to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors traveling on our highways and roads, we must continue to fight drunk and drugged driving every day of the month and every month throughout the year,” Inos said.
The lieutenant governor urged the community and leaders to join the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from Nov. 27, 2011, to Jan. 3, 2012.
“I urge everyone to remember the hazards of impaired driving and to become involved in fighting against drunk and drugged driving,” Inos said.
