Jeff Bingaman: “I want to discuss a very important matter relating to the safety of our Nation's highways and streets, and that is…”

“I want to discuss a very important matter relating to the safety of our Nation's highways and streets, and that is DWI-related injuries and fatalities. To use more common parlance, drunk driving. This is a problem that, in spite of many prevention efforts, remains a very serious concern in our country. The statistics are compelling. For example, on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 1996, those 4 days combined, there were 576 DWI-related fatalities on our Nation's highways. In that same year, 1996, nearly 1.1 million people were injured in alcohol-related crashes. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20- year-olds. I think that statistic alone should get the attention of the U.S. Senate and the Congress of this country. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds throughout this country. About 3 in 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives. Alcohol-related crashes cost society $45 billion annually, and to make matters worse, the loss of quality of life and pain and suffering costs are estimated to total over $134 billion annually. My home State of New Mexico is not exempt from these problems. In fact, the National Traffic Safety Administration reports that my State of New Mexico leads the country in DWI-related deaths per capita.”