BREATH ALCOHOL TESTING MOBILE DROP-IN NEWS RELEASE Note: Before filling in the names of the Organization and Organization spokesperson, you MUST contact them to obtain their permission to use their names in this press release, and you must get their approval for the language of their quotations, and any changes or additions they may require. Only after this is done should you send out the press release. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [Date] CONTACT: [Name, Phone Number, E-mail address]
BAT MOBILE SAVES THE DAY AND LIVES [State] Cracks Down on Impaired Drivers [Date] - It is wise to think twice before you drive while impaired in [State]. With increased checkpoints, saturation patrols and the use of the Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit by local law enforcement, your chances of getting away with driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is greatly reduced. Impaired driving is one of America’s most frequently committed and deadliest crimes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2005, 16,885 people died in alcohol-related highway crashes, of which nearly 13,000 people died in traffic crashes involving a driver or a motorcycle operator with an illegal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above – the legal limit throughout the U.S. Overall, 39 percent of all traffic deaths last year involved alcohol. “The BAT Mobile Unit plays a very important role in helping our law enforcement officers conduct impaired driving enforcement operations on our state roads and highways,” said [Law Enforcement Official]. “It not only raises the visibility of law enforcement operations, it also increases the perceived threat of detection and risk of being arrested, and allows law enforcement officers to conduct impaired driving enforcement operations anywhere, including in rural areas and counties.“ The BAT Mobile Unit allows law enforcement officers to conduct on-site breath testing, post-arrest processing, booking of impaired drivers or motorcycle operators, video taping or recording of evidence and provides them with a space to complete report forms. The BAT Mobile is often used at concerts, sporting events, and festivals where large numbers of people gather and consume alcohol. “Citizens should not be too surprised to see the BAT Mobile at this weekend’s [event] in [city/counting/state],” said [Law Enforcement Official]. “If the visibility of the unit deters people from driving while impaired, then the BAT Mobile will make more appearances in the future at events where alcohol is consumed.” [Insert two to three sentences regarding state statistics and consequences here.] The deadly risks and costly consequences of driving while impaired are far too serious. With increased enforcement efforts, well-trained law enforcement officers and the operation of the BAT Mobile Unit, if you are caught driving or operating a motorcycle while impaired you will be arrested and prosecuted. To learn how you can help your community stop impaired driving, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.
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