New Mexico is making progress in its battle against DWI, but the toll of death and injury due to drunk driving in the state remains far too high. Not long ago, New Mexico ranked worst in the nation for alcohol-involved fatalities.

However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), New Mexico has moved from being sixth (worst) in the nation in 2002 to being 14th in the nation in 2006 in alcohol related fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, and to number 17 in DWI (.08+) fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Statistics for 2007 indicate there were 176 alcohol involved fatalities, setting a new record low for New Mexico. This represents a nearly 20-percent decline over the last three years.

DWI will again be a major focus during the 100 Days and Nights of Summer, with nightly checkpoints throughout the state from the New Mexico State Police and other law enforcement agencies.

So far in 2008, alcohol-involved fatalities are lower by more than 50-percent. It is our hope that with the 100 Days and Nights campaign we can continue our progress and keep these numbers from increasing.

New Mexico law enforcement will be doing all it can to reduce death and injury due to DWI: New Mexico State Police intend to conduct more than 100 DWI checkpoints during the “100 Days/Nights” campaign. Across the state, law enforcement agencies will increase DWI checkpoint and saturation patrol activity to deter drunk driving and arrest those who choose to drive after drinking too much. The message is simple: You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.

100 Days and Nights of Summer: Slow Down, Buckle Up & Don’t Drink and Drive!