Project Characteristics Program Areas Innovative Impaired Driving Targeted Audience Jurisdiction Legal drinking age residents Multi-Counties

Goals

• Receive earned media to educate the public about .08 and drunk driving enforcement in an effort to reduce alcohol-related traffic crash injuries and fatalities.

Strategies

High visibility enforcement coupled with media is a proven deterrent for impaired driving.  The Safe Communities Coalition of the Red River Valley in collaboration with the Minnesota Safe & Sober developed a public education project.  The purpose of the project was to publicize the Safe & Sober overtime enforcement.  They also sought to focus public attention on the 0.08 BAC standards for DWI arrest.  The event was kicked off with a press conference with the Safe Communities, law enforcement, and county attorney.  

A mock roadway was set up at the Clay county overflow parking lot.  Media representatives were provided with an adult multi-sport helmet, and fatal vision goggles.  Law enforcement officials accompanied media representatives as they then attempted to maneuver a golf cart through the mock course.  The fatal vision goggles stimulate the effects of driving while impaired.  The reporters demonstrated difficulty maintaining control as well as road departure.  One reporter even managed to tip his cart slightly. 

The project was a successful collaboration of local community agencies and law enforcement efforts to provide community education on impaired driving.  Law enforcement agency representatives from both sides of the river were available to respond to participant questions.

Results

• New partnerships
• Enhanced media awareness

Funding: Contact: Costs were not identified - may vary from community to community Costs incurred were covered by in-kind donations Robyn Litke 401 3rd Avenue West Fargo, ND 58102 701.241.1341 701.241.8559 rlitke@cityoffargo.com Jurisdiction Size: Multi-Counties