 Launched in December of 1999, the You Drink. You Drive. You Lose. Campaign is a national partnership between Law Enforcement, community agencies, businesses, schools and others who are committed to reducing deaths from impaired driving to not more that 11,000 nationwide by 2005.
The intent is to build on the incredible momentum and the hard work already taking place in communities throughout America aimed at stopping impaired driving and saving lives.
Studies show that the majority of Americans consider impaired driving to be one of our nations most important social issues. Nearly 97 percent of American view impaired driving as a major threat to communities.
On a national level, the You Drink. You Drive. You Lose. Campaign is supported by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, MADD, SADD, Remove Intoxicated Drivers and other group interested in making our communities safer.
In Massachusetts, promoting the You Drink. You Drive. You Lose. Campaign is a major initiative of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. As part of the MCOPA efforts three training session on the You Drink. You Drive You Lose Campaign Strategies were conducted across the state, technical assistance is being provided to local departments for program implementation and 26 departments across the state were awarded mini – grants to assist with enforcement during the You Drink. You Drive. You Lose Mobilization weekend occurring on December 21 – 23, 2001 Impaired Driving is a serious crime that kill innocent people each year. In 2000, 16,653 people died on our roadways as a
result of an impaired driver. That figure reflects an increase of nearly 1,000 deaths over the prior year. We have reached a cross road in our effort to prevent this deadly crime. The Unites States is at a critical point where we all must do our part to significantly reduce the number of alcohol related crashes.
In the United States some one dies in a car crash every 13 minutes. Every 33 minutes someone dies in an alcohol related car crash. This number is high and rising. The victims are could be someone’s mother, father, spouse, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, grandparent or friend. Do your part to make sure this type of tragedy does not affect you life.
 To reduce aggressive and distracted driving, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Highway Safety Division (EOPSS-HSD) annually conducts with state and local police a statewide Road Respect Mobilization. Using federal highway safety funds, this initiative coordinates extra state and local traffic enforcement, paid and earned media, and community education.
The 2008 Road Respect Mobilization will be conducted between March 26 to April 16, 2008.
Ten tips to reduce aggressive and distracted driving:
 Obey posted speed limits. Allow extra travel time for traffic and bad weather. Always signal your intentions when turning or changing lanes. Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs. Never run yellow lights. Let other drivers pass and merge as necessary. On multi-lane highways, use the left lane for passing only. Use extra care when talking on a cell phone while driving or while engaging in other distracting actions (changing radio stations, etc.). Ideally pull over at a safe location to make a cell phone call. Refrain from unnecessary use of your horn. Pay attention to the special needs of those who drive trucks and buses, ride motorcycles and bicycles, and pedestrians. Wear your safety belt. It’s your best defense against an aggressive or distracted driver.
If confronted by an aggressive or distracted driver…
Control your emotions to avoid escalating the situation. Attempt to safely get out of his or her way. Avoid eye contact or obscene gestures. If a serious incident occurs, immediately contact the nearest police agency by dialing 911. If using a call phone, pull over at a safe location and dial 911.
For more information on national efforts to reduce aggressive and distracted driving:
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