South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is joining the Western States Traffic Safety Coalition in a special effort to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road this New Year’s Eve.
Col. Rick Miller says impaired drivers, whether through use of drugs or alcohol, are dangerous. He says they are working with other states to make sure people understand that such behavior is illegal and will not be tolerated.
Nationally, during the past five years, an average of 300 people have died in impaired driving crashes the week between Christmas and New Year. 10,142 people were killed nationwide in impaired driving crashes last year– accounting for nearly one-third of all driving fatalities.
The 2021 New Year’s holiday period for reporting motor vehicle traffic crashes covers 78 hours, beginning at 6pm tonight (Dec, 31) and ending at midnight Sunday (Jan. 3). Last year in South Dakota, there were 61 reported traffic crashes resulting in zero deaths and 23 injuries. Of the 23 injuries, 11 were a result of alcohol-related crashes.
The Highway Patrol is part of the Department of Public Safety.
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