For Immediate Release May 25, 2012 Contact Betsy Ross Public Information Officer Governor's Highway Safety Program 802-241-5511 Betsy.Ross@state.vt.us Memorial Day Weekend, A Dangerous Three Days for Driving The start of this year's summer season kicks off this weekendwith the nationally celebrated Memorial Day holiday. Typically,this three day weekend is the gateway to many more splendid warmweather activities a great harbinger of incoming sunshine,summer festivities, and school free days for our children and otheryounger adults. But, the Memorial Day Weekend also brings increasedtraffic and a sad history of a high number of highway tragedies andthe needless loss of life. The National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA) has been keeping track of roadway statisticsfor the past twenty five years and they warn that the 2010 MemorialDay weekend was a very deadly period. During 2010, the 397deaths occurring during the Memorial Day holiday were surpassedthat year only by 431 occurring during Thanksgiving (a four dayweekend); and the 403 deaths recorded during that year'sLabor Day weekend. The City of Vergennes, Police Chief GeorgeMerkel is asking Vermonters to: "Use common sense, wear yourbelts, be a role model for our younger folks by always using goodjudgment and patience while driving". Chief Merkel alsoindicated he will have a number of extra officers patrolling theentire weekend. Obviously, driving while impaired remains a primary concern andalways poses a critical danger to the motoring public. When wethink of celebratory drinking and resulting tragedies, we think ofNew Year's Eve. NHTSA research reveals a measureableincrease in the number crashes involving alcohol that take placeduring all holiday weekends and also during nighttime hours.Interestingly, NHTSA also reports that on a regular annual basisonly 12% of all roadway fatalities occur on interstates, with theremaining deaths occurring on secondary and local roads. VermontState Police Lieutenant John Flannigan warns of driving whileimpaired: "We will have a heavy concentration of enforcementofficers in those areas that data indicates are high crash pronelocations. In addition, our Drug Recognition Expert cadre willbe looking for vehicle operators who are driving under theinfluence of substances other than alcohol." Memorial Day celebrations are an American tradition we've allgrown up with. Family get togethers, backyard cookouts andgroup expeditions to the local beach or swimming hole are part ofour very fabric. Please enjoy all of these activities to thefullest, but remember: "Drive Sober or Get PulledOver". Also law enforcement agencies in Vermont areeverywhere participating in the annual "Click It orTicket" campaign. These efforts are supported by fundsprovided by NHTSA and managed by Vermont's Governor'sHighway Safety Program (GHSP). These law enforcement officerswill be strategically deployed to patrol in areas experiencing highincidents of impaired driving and low seatbelt use. Ted Minallthe Chief of GHSP asks all motorists: "Please help us have atragedy free Memorial Day. Make sure everyone in your vehicleis buckled up. If you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages,and have to travel, find someone else to drive or select analternate method of transportation. We hope everyone has a terrific, safe and enjoyable Memorial Dayholiday. The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as China Stainless Steel Hand Blender , 2 Slice Toaster Oven Manufacturer, and more. For more , please visit Stainless Steel Hand Blender today!
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