NAUPD

Drive sober, or get pulled over

Across the nation, officers are cracking down on impaired driving. In 2010, 10,228 people were killed in fatal collisions involving alcohol in the United States. The fact is, more Americans die on our nation’s highways than they do anywhere else, including in wars overseas, plane crashes, or other events we generally consider tragic. Impaired driving is a problem everywhere, placing you at risk every time you get behind the wheel…whether you’re impaired or not.

Don’t be part of the problem

Arizona law defines .08 Blood Alcohol Concentration as the “legal limit” for alcohol impairment. However, if you are driving while impaired in any way, by any substance, even to the slightest degree, you could be arrested for DUI. If your blood alcohol concentration is under .05, the law presumes you are not impaired…by alcohol. However, if the totality of circumstances shows otherwise, an arrest can still be made. In 2010, the highest percentage of impaired drivers (34%) were between 21-24 years old.

Be part of the solution

If in doubt, hand over the keys or find a ride. Here are some great ways to avoid getting behind the wheel if you are even slightly impaired:

• On Thursday and Saturday nights, use the free NAU Safe Ride shuttle from campus to downtown Flagstaff. NAU ID required to ride.
• Use a cab company. Flagstaff has several such services, and there is even a business who will drive you AND your car home…separately of course.
• Use a sober, designated driver. Check out the SODAS program offered through Campus Health Services’ Health Promotions office, which offers free soda for D.D.’s at several establishments in Flagstaff.
• Have a group? Why not walk? It’s free, and a great way to burn off those empty calories while staying out from behind the wheel. Remember to observe our personal safety tips, and call for an escort if you’re on campus and don’t feel safe.

We’re still out here….

Thinking about taking the risk anyway? Think again! NAUPD, the Flagstaff Police Department, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, and Arizona Department of Public Safety are all heavily involved in DUI enforcement in the Flagstaff Area. Officers are trained to administer Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, have training in Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection and Enforcement, and have Drug Recognition Experts and Law Enforcement Phlebotomy available to further support DUI investigations.