Statewide Radio Campaign Targets Impaired Driving, Advocates 0.08 Legislation

AAA and Minnesota Department of Public Safety Partner in Effort

BURNSVILLE, Minn., Jan. 15 -- AAA Minnesota/Iowa in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety will launch a two- week statewide radio campaign on Monday, Jan. 19, advocating a reduction in the legal alcohol concentration for drivers from 0.10 to 0.08.

The two-week flight, which will air on Minnesota News Network's 55 affiliate stations throughout the state, is supported by nearly $15,000 from AAA. The 30-second radio spot issues a call-to-action to listeners to contact their state legislators in support of the 0.08 initiative.

"We strongly support this legislation and so do most of our 400,000 members in the state," says Jeff Ogden, president of AAA Minnesota/Iowa. "Impaired drivers are an unacceptable danger to Minnesotans and their safety. The public must contact their elected officials and diminish this threat."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicle drivers with an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher have severely diminished ability to judge distance, speed, steer, track visually, concentrate, brake and stay in their driving lane.

"Passing 0.08 legislation this year is critical," says Public Safety Commissioner Rich Stanek. "As one of only five states without 0.08, our Legislature will be asked to support this to ensure the safety of their constituents."

In Minnesota in 2002, alcohol-related crashes killed 239 people and injured 4,221 others and cost the state an estimated $340 million. Law enforcement personnel made nearly 33,000 DWI arrests. Of those arrested, 42 percent were repeat offenders. More than half the arrests occurred outside the Twin Cities metro area.

If the Legislature does not pass 0.08, Ogden notes the federal government will withhold transportation funds amounting to $6.64 million dollars in fiscal year 2003, and increase the amount withheld each year.

  Radio Script-
     VOICEOVER:
     "Each year in Minnesota, hundreds of people are killed and thousands
     injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes.  So, what would be the
     difference between point-one-oh and point-oh-eight for the legal
     drunk driving limit in Minnesota?"
     SFX: (Violent car crash)
     "Maybe your life.  Your kids. Your best friend. Not to mention tens
     of millions of dollars in federal funding for highway construction
     and many health care dollars.  Contact your state legislators today
     and tell them you support point-oh-eight legislation this year.
     Sponsored by AAA and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety."