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The NMDOT and local law enforcement agencies remind drivers
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
SANTA FE – This Independence Day, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and statewide law enforcement agencies are participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, law enforcement agencies will be working together during the holiday weekend to take drunk drivers off the roads.
In New Mexico there were 2,237 alcohol-involved crashes in 2019; 149 of those crashes were fatal and 17 of those fatalities happened in July. The highest percentage of alcohol involved crashes happened in July and August that year. From July 3 to July 8, 2019 there were 467 crashes which averaged about 103 crashes per day; 37 involved alcohol, 7 were fatal.
With Fourth of July festivities wrapping up late in the evening, more cars will be on the roads at night.
“This Fourth of July, commit to only driving 100-percent sober,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Sandoval. “Don’t lose your independence on Independence Day, and don’t be a deadly risk to yourself and other innocent people. Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
Celebrate with a Plan
This Fourth of July, law enforcement and the NMDOT are working together to urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the day. If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving.
The NMDOT recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
- Remember, it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve only had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- If available, use your community’s sober ride program. The “Take a Ride on Us” program in the Albuquerque metro area offers an Uber code providing 1000 rides will be available during the 4th of July holiday weekend for those in the Albuquerque metro area. Participants will receive $10 off rides, two rides per person beginning Friday, July 2 at noon through 3 a.m. Tuesday, July 6 when they access the credit through the Uber app using the code: USA2021. Tips are not included, and refunds are not provided for trips costing less than the $10 credit. The code is not valid for use with Uber Eats.
- Don’t let friends drink and drive. Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
