Arizona Department of Public Safety Will Conduct Intensive Enforcement to Keep Highways Safe for the long Thanksgiving Holiday

During last year’s Thanksgiving holiday, 12 people were killed in 11 fatal crashes statewide both on city and county roads along with Arizona highways. Four of those crashes were alcohol-related resulting in four of those fatalities. DPS believes most serious injury and fatal crashes are preventable. Drivers should keep in mind the following tips before heading out on the road this holiday season:

Impaired Driving – If you are planning on drinking this holiday make sure you have a designated driver or plan to call a cab. Once you start drinking your ability to make sound judgments decreases with each drink. Impaired driving extends beyond just the consumption of alcohol. Never use illegal drugs or drive while on prescription drugs that may impair your driving ability.

Safety Belts – A safety belt will ensure that you stop with your car. Without it, you may end up being thrown from the vehicle if you are involved in a collision.

Speeding – Speeding greatly increases the chances of a collision and reduces the amount of time to avoid one. Following the speed limits will decrease the chances of a serious injury or even death in a collision

Attentiveness/Fatigue – Make sure your calls and text messages have been made BEFORE your drive. If your phone rings while you are driving, let it go to your voicemail or wait until you have a chance to stop to return the call and/or text.

**Make sure you are well rested before getting behind the wheel. Fatigue is a significant factor in serious injury or fatal crashes. **