Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Transportation Governor's Highway Safety Office (GHSO), along with the Tennessee Highway Patrol and local law enforcement and safety advocates came together today at the State Capitol to encourage Tennessee drivers to reduce the incidence of impaired driving this holiday season.

Since 1981, every President of the United States has demonstrated his commitment to preventing impaired driving by proclaiming December as National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.

"During the holiday travel season in Tennessee , our interstate traffic rises an estimated 10 percent," said Randy Lovett, TDOT Chief of Administration. "The increased amount of traffic coupled with the increased number of impaired drivers is a deadly combination, and one that we hope to avoid this holiday season."

Nearly 17,000 people died in alcohol-related crashes nationwide in 2004, making up 39 percent of all traffic fatalities. Every 31 minutes, someone in America dies in an alcohol-related crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that impaired driving will affect one in three Americans during their lifetime.

"The three most critical skills for a good, safe driver are judgment, vision and reaction," said GHSO Director Chuck Taylor. "Alcohol suppresses all three of these critical driving skills, even before an individual has reached the legal limit. If you really want to enjoy the holidays, make sure your celebration is one you'll live to remember."

As a visual reminder of the severe result of impaired driving, today's news conference was held in front of a large banner depicting many faces in the number "459," meant to remember the 459 victims of impaired driving in Tennessee in 2004. The number of alcohol-related fatalities in Tennessee makes up about 40 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state, slightly higher than the national average.

During 3D Prevention Month, local police and sheriff departments, as well as the Tennessee Highway Patrol, are increasing sobriety and safety checkpoints and are heightening patrols in support of the state's Booze It and Lose It campaign.

"Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired isn't worth the risk," warned Interim Department of Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the cost of a crash or arrest will result in significant financial and legal burdens. It's simply not an option this holiday season."

Tennessee DUI laws allow for fines up to $1,500 and up to 12 months in jail for first time offenders. Multiple offenders can end up in jail for up to six years and pay up to a $15,000 fine.

GHSO offers these simple reminders for a safe 3D Prevention Month. If you are going out to drink:

• Designate a non-drinking driver ahead of time.
• Take a cab or public transportation.
• Make a reservation and spend the night.
• Consume food, sip your drinks and alternate with non-alcoholic beverages.

If you are hosting a party:

• Encourage your guests ahead of time to designate a driver.
• Collect guests' keys upon arrival, and know their condition before returning their keys.
• Serve a variety of foods and include non-alcoholic beverages.
• Plan activities so the focus isn't just on drinking.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is over.
• Be prepared to arrange for rides home or to have impaired guests stay over.

"Impaired driving is no accident, and it's not a victimless crime," reminded Taylor . "When you gather with family and friends this holiday season, keep your loved ones safe by stopping an impaired driver from operating a vehicle and have them buckle up."

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.