Nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign Dec. 12 through Jan. 2

Police nationwide will be out in force to stop and arrest drunk drivers during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday enforcement campaign, which begins December 12 and runs through Jan. 2, 2015. It is part of a nationwide effort coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which provides funding for local police agencies to help staff the effort and to support a nationwide advertising campaign.

Drunk Driving Consequences

“The message is clear and simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” said Randy Wright, President of Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care, a nationwide transmission and auto repair brand that services almost any make or model vehicle, foreign or domestic.

Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, then you should also plan not to drive.” Holiday Driving Advice - Cottman Man - Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care

NHTSA reports that alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes cost more than an estimated $37 billion annually. The risk becomes greater at this time of year as people celebrate at holiday parties and family gatherings.  Safety experts say even a single alcoholic drink can impair a driver’s attention, vision and reaction time to the point of contributing to a crash.

Traveling During The Holidays

Cottman recommends some simple holiday travel tips when driving:

    • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
    • Before drinking, designate a non-drinking driver and leave your car keys at home;
    • If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation
    • If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local police;
    • If someone who you know is about to drive while impaired, take his or her keys and help with other arrangements to get home safely.

“At Cottman, we work hard every day to keep you and your car safe and reliable,” Wright said. “We don’t want to see our customers in the hospital and their cars in for crash-related repairs, so we urge you to be extra careful during this holiday season, so both you and your car stay safe.”