Washington Insurance Council

                  Consumer Alert

Contact: Karl Newman, Executive Director      
Release Date: 12/20/2000

Washington Insurance Council    
Phone: (206) 624-3330
Fax: (206) 624-1975
karl.newman@wa-ic.org

Drinking and driving can stop a good year, even a good life

SEATTLE – Drunk driving end continues to be a leading killer among drivers in Washington state, even though the overall accident rate is falling.

“With Christmas and New Year’s upon us, drinking and driving increases, especially with teenagers,” said Dick Doane of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

According to a 1999 study conducted by the Commission, 41.8 percent of all auto accidents in Washington were alcohol-related.

“It can seem like choosing to drink or not only affects you,” said Karl Newman, executive director of the Washington Insurance Council. “but when you combine drinking and driving, you have a lethal mix that ends lives and can ruin lives for survivors.”

With the holidays quickly approaching, the Washington Insurance Council offers these tips to help you, your friends and family stay safe while on the road.

w                    Don’t drink and drive

w                    Have a designated driver

w          Call a taxi

w          Call a friend or relative to pick you up

w          Stay at a nearby hotel

w                    Don’t drink at all

Driving under the influence can hit you in the wallet as well.  A first-time offense can cost you:

w          90 -day license suspension

w          At least one day in jail or 15-day electronic home monitoring

w          More than $8,000 in fines and court fees

w          An ignition interlock ordered by a judge.

Washington Insurance Council is a non-profit, consumer education organization funded by member insurance companies.

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