Notice to Media

"Arkansas Drive for Life - Buckled, Sober and Safe"

July 1, 1998 -- A new safe driving campaign, "Arkansas Drive for Life – Buckled, Sober and Safe, " was unveiled Wednesday, July 1, 1998, in front of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) Central Office Building on I-30.

The campaign is sponsored by the AHTD in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Dan Flowers, Director of the AHTD, announced the effort along with Col. John Bailey, Director of the Arkansas State Police; and Georgia Chakiris, Regional Administrator for NHTSA.

"The most effective thing motorists can do to increase safety is to buckle their seatbelt," Flowers commented. "It is estimated that one-half of the people killed last year in car crashes would still be here today if they had buckled up." Regarding drinking and driving, Flowers noted that although only five percent of all crashes in Arkansas involve alcohol, 37 percent of fatalities occurred in alcohol related crashes.

The campaign includes intensified law enforcement and public education efforts to get motorists to buckle up, drive sober and drive safely. Billboards, brochures and public service announcements highlighting the "Buckled, Sober and Safe" theme will be used to get the message out.

Numerous local law enforcement agencies around the state are participating in the effort. Enclosed is a list of organizations that are participating in the campaign to date. More could be added at any time.

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