State Leaders Urge New Yorkers to Make This a Safer New Year

ALBANY, NY (12/29/2008)(readMedia)-- As New Year's Eve approaches, leaders from three state agencies joined to warn New Yorkers of the risks and tragic consequences of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner David J. Swarts and Division of State Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt called on New Yorkers to make choices this holiday that will prevent the tragedies of years past on state roadways.

"A single bad decision made on New Year's Eve can have lifelong consequences for individuals and their families," said state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "The saddest part of these accidents and deaths is that they were preventable. We must never stop reaching out to New Yorkers with the message that drugs, alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to drink, do so responsibly and do not drive. If you have a drinking or drug problem, let this be the New Year that you reach out for help and a life in recovery through our free, 24-hour helpline at 1-800-522-5353."

According to DMV statistics, 14 people died in New York during the 2007 New Year holiday, eight which were alcohol-related and another three which were caused by alcohol and excessive speed.

In addition during the 2007 holiday, New York State Troopers investigated 22 alcohol-related crashes and arrested 134 drivers for driving while intoxicated.

Commissioner David J. Swarts of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles said, "The New Year holiday should be a time of sharing with family and friends and not marred by needless tragedy. Before the party begins, think ahead by planning to take a cab, designating a sober driver or staying at a hotel for the night. Drinking or drugged driving is simply not an option."

"Impaired driving is such a contradiction and betrayal of the holiday spirit," said State Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt. "In a season of joy and celebration of opportunity in the New Year, some people will jeopardize the most basic rights of life and freedom by driving drunk or under the influence of drugs. State Troopers, along with local police and sheriff's deputies are committed to stopping and arresting those drivers who present a danger to themselves or others."

Across the country, every 40 minutes someone dies in an alcohol-related crash. Last year alone, more than one million people nationwide were injured in automobile crashes in which alcohol was a factor. In 2007 there were nearly 9,500 alcohol-related crashes in which 373 lives were lost in New York. While New Yorkers are less likely to be involved in an impaired driving crash today than in years past, motorists should not become complacent about the dangers of alcohol or drug use and driving.

If you are planning to host a party New Year's Eve, always offer alcohol-free beverages and remind your guests to plan ahead to make sure they leave sober or with a sober driver.

Evidence-based prevention strategies are a key component of the OASAS mission to improve the lives of New Yorkers by leading a premier system of addiction services through prevention, treatment, recovery. As one of the largest addiction services systems in the nation. More than 250 of the 1,550 programs throughout New York state are dedicated to prevention.

More information is available at the agency web site, www.OASAS.state.ny.us.

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