For the ninth year in a row, the Ad Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are funding and encouraging television stations nationwide to air their "Project Roadblock" public service announcements (PSAs). The full name of the campaign is "Project Roadblock: Local TV Puts the Brakes on Drunk Driving." These spots will air all over the nation beginning today and ending late on December 31.
The campaign is just one of the many efforts the NHTSA is employing to reduce the rate of drunk driver accidents that occur during this part of the holiday season. Many adults enjoy drinking as part of their pre-New Year's Day celebrations, but unfortunately too many adults and underage individuals do not imbibe responsibly. Tragic and tragically preventable deaths occur on American roads each year at this time due to irresponsible drinking and driving behavior.
In addition to reminding viewers that drunk driving fatalities tend to spike at this time of year, the campaign will also be reminding watchers that "buzzed driving" is actually drunk driving. At the point where one either becomes impaired in any way or his or her blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the legal limit, even if he or she does not physically feel the effects of this intoxication, getting behind the wheel will make that individual a drunk driver in the eyes of the law.
Whether or not you happen to catch one of the Project Roadblock spots on TV this season or not, it is important to heed the campaign's message in order to ensure a safe holiday for yourself and those around you.
Source: TV Technology, "New Ad Council, NHTSA PSAs Illustrate Cost of Buzzed Driving," Dec. 21, 2012