P.L. 2008, jr.007 (SJR31 1R)

A Joint Resolution designating December of each year as “Drunk Driving Awareness Month.”

Whereas, An estimated 254,000 people nationally were injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2005, approximately one person every two minutes; and

Whereas, ¹[Traffic] In 2006, a total of 17,602 traffic¹ fatalities ¹were¹ attributable to alcohol ¹[in 2005 totalled approximately 16,885 deaths]¹, or ¹[39% ] 41%¹ of all traffic deaths in the United States, with ¹[263] 341¹ in New Jersey; and

Whereas, Traffic fatalities involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, which is the legal limit throughout the United States, resulted in ¹[12,945] 13,490¹ deaths in ¹[2005] 2006¹ with ¹[180] 224¹ deaths in New Jersey; and

Whereas, Despite greater public awareness of the dangers of intoxicated driving and increased enforcement of anti-drunk driving laws, alcohol-related crashes cost Americans an estimated $114.7 billion annually; and

Whereas, In January 2006, 25 year-old Ashly Meyers was fatally injured when a drunk driver recklessly crashed into her disabled Jeep as she was summoning help, causing the Jeep to slam into her body and throw her over 30 feet; Ashly suffered numerous serious injuries, including broken bones throughout her body, punctured lungs, crushed pelvis, ruptured bladder, and massive internal bleeding; after spending 20 days in the trauma unit never regaining consciousness and enduring surgery after surgery, Ashly succumbed to her injuries; and

Whereas, New Jersey recognizes the need to raise awareness about the consequences of drunk driving, to prevent drinking and driving and to strictly enforce drunk driving laws; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. In memory of those individuals who were killed by drunk drivers, the month of December of each year is designated as “Drunk Driving Awareness Month.”

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon the public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

Designates December of each year as “Drunk Driving Awareness Month.”