DWI-related deaths down 35% since 2002

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson released new numbers Tuesday showing a major decline in DWI fatalities in the state In 2008, there were 143 alcohol-involved fatalities in New Mexico, down 34 from 2007 and a huge drop from 221 in 2002.

Since Richardson took office in 2003, New Mexico has seen a 35 percent decline in drunken-driving related deaths and has implemented some of the toughest laws and most innovative programs in the country to stop drunken driving in New Mexico.

Some of the Richardson’s key initiatives include public awareness campaigns such as “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose,” the appointment of a statewide DWI Czar, increased penalties for bars and restaurants which serve minors and intoxicated patrons, mandatory ignition interlocks for first-time offenders and the Drunk Busters Hotline, which now receives more than 20,000 calls per year.

The state is now viewed as the national leader in combating drunken driving. “New Mexico has gone from being the problem, from being the worst state — to now our state is seen as a model,” Richardson said. “Our solutions are working. We have changed the culture in New Mexico. No one thought it was possible, but it has happened.”

DWI Czar Rachel O’Connor said New Mexico has built the most aggressive approach to fighting drunken driving in state history and those efforts are paying off. “Fewer people are losing their lives at the hands drunk drivers,” she said.