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Hello I'm Governor Martin O'Malley and I wanted to share with you an important message.
Last year in Maryland, more than one hundred and fifty people died at the
hands of the drunk driver.
Over the past ten years we've lost almost two thousand innocent children,
parents, brothers, sisters, family members, and friends to impaired driving crashes.
And what makes all of this even more tragic is that every single injury and
death caused by a drunk driving is completely preventable. It's simple -
if you drink don't drive and if you drive don't drink.
Still, too many of us make the wrong choice and we all pay the price.
On average, motor vehicle crashes cost Maryland $570 million in lost work time and $6 million in medical costs.
But, all of that of course pales in comparison to the loss of life for those left behind.
As a State, we are committed to the goal of reducing impaired driving fatalities
by 50% by 2030 - and together we are making life-saving progress.
Thanks to dedicated men and women in law enforcement,
the innovative use of technology, and effective policies - together we've been
able to reduce drunk-driving fatalities, so far, by nearly 20%.
We are fighting back against drunk driving - but, we need your help.
And I encourage all drivers to take personal responsibility and report
suspected drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1.
And if you choose to drink, designate a sober friend to drive. Call a taxi, or use mass-transit.
Together we can win this fight and ensure that all of our family and
friends are safer on Maryland's roads. To learn more about impaired driving prevention
visit www.mva.maryland.gov/impaired.
Thanks a lot.