NHTSA Says Fight Against Drunk Driving Needs Renewal December 11, 2003
News Summary
Dr. Jeffrey Runge, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), said renewed efforts are needed to reduce drunk driving, the Associated Press reported Dec. 3."Since the early 1990s, we haven't made any progress," Runge said.
According to Runge, the number of alcohol-related fatalities has remained constant from 2000 to 2002. Last year, there were 17,419 alcohol-related deaths. Of those, more than 15,000 were killed by drivers who had a blood-alcohol level higher than 0.08 percent.
Runge said a bill under consideration in the U.S. Congress would allow the NHTSA to provide grants to states who establish specialized prosecutors or courts dedicated solely to drunk-driving cases.
He is also urging doctors to inquire about drinking behavior during patient visits.
"A doctor's advice is often all you need to catch them early," Runge said.
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