Statement by The Century Council Chairman Susan Molinari Regarding Promising Reduction in National Drunk Driving Deaths

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2004 -- Yesterday's release by the U.S. Department of Transportation of the 2003 Highway Traffic Fatality data show a nearly 3% reduction in alcohol-related traffic fatalities. This reduction is clearly a promising sign that the many efforts we all are making in the fight against drunk driving are working. After several years of slight but steady increases, these numbers reflect the lowest numbers since 1999. While heartened by the progress, we at The Century Council, a national not-for- profit organization funded by distillers: Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America; Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; Cruzan, Ltd.; DIAGEO; Future Brands LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; Sidney Frank Importing Co. Inc.; and dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, will continue our comprehensive efforts to ensure that this reduction signals the beginning of a downward trend.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2003, 17,013 people lost their lives in alcohol-related traffic crashes, compared to 17,524 in 2002. Overall alcohol-related traffic fatalities have decreased 35% since 1982, when NHTSA first began tracking such data. In 2003 alcohol-related traffic fatalities accounted for 40% of the total traffic fatalities -- down one percentage from 41% in 2002. Moreover, vehicle miles traveled increased from 2002 to 2003, while the number of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled decreased from 1.51 to 1.48, the lowest level ever recorded.

While the full effect of new state .08 laws is yet to be determined, we believe that this significant reduction is a reflection of the collective efforts of local, state and national organizations and a more comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of drunk driving. Better, more effective legislation, combined with education, effective enforcement and a focused judiciary have and will continue to make a difference in driving the number of fatalities down. In particular, increased attention to the problem of hardcore drunk drivers -- those who drive at a high blood alcohol level (.15 and above), do so repeatedly, and have demonstrated a resistance to change -- has been and will continue to be essential to the reduction in alcohol related traffic fatalities.

For more information on The Century Council and its educational programs, log onto http://www.centurycouncil.org/.

Launched in 1991, The Century Council is funded by distillers. The Council's mission is to promote responsible decision-making regarding beverage alcohol and discourage all forms of irresponsible consumption through education, communications, research, law enforcement and other programs. For more information on the Council, log onto http://www.centurycouncil.org/.