We have a busy weekend with Labor Day festivities. That means a lot of people will be driving all over Wichita and our fine state. My friends at the Kansas Department of Transportation remind us that it's crucial to stay safe on our roads. Please take a minute to read this before you even think of getting behind the wheel after drinking. Stay safe, my friends.
You Drink. You Drive. You Lose. Fact Sheet
Lives Are at Risk
●You Drink. You Drive. You Lose. isn’t about citations; it’s about saving lives. Between 2003-2012, there were 1,214 Kansans killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver.To help prevent crash fatalities, we need to step up enforcement and crack down on those who are choosing to drink and drive.
●In 2017 alone, there were 1,993 alcohol related crashes
●Drunk Driving is a felony for a reason, and something we need to take action on. It accounted for 22% of traffic fatalities in 2017.
●In Kansas, there are 94 annual drunk driving deaths. With 68 of these fatal accidents involving drivers between the ages of 15 and 20.
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Face the Facts
●2.1% of adults report driving after drinking too much in the last 30 days. As this may not seem like a large percentage, keep in mind, this is only in the time span of 30 days.
○This is another reason we strive to drive to zero
●24% of Kansas high school students say that at least once in the last 30 days, they have ridden with a driver who had been drinking.
●Drunk driving amounts to 23% of Kansas’ crash cost
●The average alcohol related fatality in Kansas costs 3.4 million
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Bust the Myths
●“AS LONG AS I'M BELOW 0.08, THERE IS NO RISK.” You could be impaired even if your blood alcohol concentration is low, and you could even be arrested with a blood alcohol concentration below 0.08
●“When you’re convicted of drunk driving, you only have to pay a fine and that’s it.” A DUI conviction can cost you a lot more than just a fine. Along with the fine you will pay court fees, drivers license reinstatement fees, and if required, ignition interlock installation and monthly fees.
●“If you're drunk and drive carefully, you won't get caught” There are more ways to get caught driving drunk than just the obvious bad driving. Checkpoints are popping up in towns and cities everywhere, and law enforcement is constantly cracking down to stop drunk driving.
●“I drive better after a drink or two.” One drink can cloud your thinking, slow your reflexes and dim your vision. Even with just a small amount of alcohol, it can impair your judgment. This puts you and others on the road at risk of death.