Secretary Slater Announces July 4th Survey Results; Cautions Holiday Travelers
3 July 1998
Transportation Secretary Slater
Announces July 4th Survey Results;
Cautions Holiday Travelers About Safety
U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today urged
Americans to travel safely as they celebrate the nation's 222nd birthday,
especially in light of a new Department of Transportation survey
indicating that nearly two-thirds of adults attending July 4th parties
will consume alcohol.
"Because of increased travel and recreational activity during
holidays, the risk of accident and injury is greater. But we can avert
the tragedy that results from accidents by paying close attention to
safety -- especially by not drinking and driving," Secretary Slater
said. "Safety is President Clinton's highest transportation priority."
The survey, conducted by the department's National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and The Advertising Council, stated
that 65 percent of July 4th party goers will drink alcohol. The report
also showed that 49 percent of the respondents consider drunk driving the
most important social issue, followed by the needs of children and crime;
72 percent tried to prevent a friend or family member from driving drunk;
and of those, 54 percent took the keys to prevent others from driving
drunk, 27 percent talked others out of driving, and 27 percent drove
themselves.
"We all need to make a commitment this Fourth of July, and
throughout the year, to stop drunk drivers before they get into the car,"
NHTSA Administrator Ricardo Martinez, M.D., said.
The department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
estimates that there were 470 fatalities on the nation's highways during
last year's July 4th weekend, with 228 or 48.6 percent alcohol-related.
This weekend rate was 9.3 percent higher than the annual rate for 1997.
However, federal and state efforts have demonstrated success over the
past six years. In 1992, 535 people were killed in traffic accidents
over the three-day holiday period. In 1997, this decreased by 12 percent
to 470. The percent of alcohol-related fatalities for the July 4th
holiday weekend in these years decreased from 55.8 percent to 48.6
percent. There were the 42,000 annual traffic fatalities in 1997 of
which about 16,500 were alcohol-related.
The Clinton Administration's successful efforts to combat drinking and
driving continue. Most recently, President Clinton signed into law the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, which includes $500
million in incentive grants for states to adopt .08 blood alcohol
concentration (BAC) as the national standard for drunk driving. Earlier
this week, South Carolina became the 50th state to enact a zero tolerance
law for drivers under 21 years old, a major initiative begun by President
Clinton in 1995.
Secretary Slater urged recreational boaters as well as drivers
not to drink and drive. The Coast Guard has mounted an aggressive
campaign against drunken boaters, and noted that some states have laws
imposing a .08 blood alcohol concentration threshold similar to drunk
driving laws for motor vehicle drivers. The Coast Guard estimates that
about 800 people die in recreational boating accidents each year, with 28
percent of them alcohol-related in 1996, the latest year from which
statistics are available.
* Because of increased travel anticipated during the holiday
weekend, Secretary Slater offered the following additional advice:
* Buckle up for every trip; ensure that young children are properly
restrained in safety seats.
* Plan your trip. Allow plenty of time. Drive friendly, avoid
speeding and other aggressive driving behavior, and stop to rest if you
become sleepy. Be sure to carefully observe warnings, especially
railroad grade crossing signs and signals.
* If you are boating, ensure that everyone aboard is using an
approved life jacket.
If you are flying to your destination, do not pack fireworks or
other prohibited items in your checked or carry-on bags; persons who do
so risk fines, criminal prosecution and the safety of themselves and
other passengers.
* Arrive early at the airport; holiday crowds and strict security
may increase the time you need to check in.
* In an airport, do not joke about having a bomb or firearm in your
possession; penalties can be severe, including prison time and fines.
* Watch your luggage in an airport; don't accept packages from
strangers and keep your eyes open for unattended packages and baggage.
According to data from the department's Bureau of Transportation
Statistics, the days around July 4th are the third most traveled. There
is more travel around Thanksgiving and Christmas. In 1995, the latest
year from which statistics are available, Saturday of the July 4th
weekend was the seventh busiest day for trips in passenger cars and
trucks, and the 31st busiest day for air travel.
NHTSA and The Advertising Council during June, 1998, conducted a
random survey of 1,000 people nationwide to obtain information about
drunk driving.
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