Team Kentucky Urges Motorists To Put the Phone Down To Keep Travelers Safe

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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Kentuckians are reminded to drive distraction-free to keep themselves and others safe on the road. As part of this month’s awareness efforts, a high-visibility enforcement campaign, “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” will run April 6–13 to reduce distracted driving through increased enforcement and public education.

Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. Based on statewide law enforcement collision data maintained by Kentucky State Police, there were 5,503 crashes in 2025, 18 of which were fatal, linked to distracted driving, including cellphone use.

“There is nothing more important than your safety and the safety of your fellow Kentuckians,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We ask that everyone do their part and put the phone down while driving – it could help save a life, prevent a life-altering injury or spare lifelong regret.”

Officials from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) joined forces to support the enforcement campaign spearheaded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To encourage safe driving behaviors early in life, teens are encouraged to participate in this year’s Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge. Teens aged 15 -19 with a learner’s permit or driver’s license can register through April 16. Using a smartphone app, participants’ driving behaviors will be evaluated on five core safe habits, see real-time insights to help adapt driving behaviors, and compete to be named as Kentucky’s safest teen driver. A total of $10,000 in cash prizes, sponsored by Intoximeters, AAA East Central and AAA Blue Grass, will be awarded to the top five scorers. The teen with the highest overall score will win $3,000 and their school will be recognized.

“Teen drivers are some of our most vulnerable on the road due to their inexperience,” said Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Ryan Fisher. “We are committed to keeping them safe and reminding all drivers that no text or phone call is worth a life. Stay focused and stay safe.”

There are three types of distraction when behind the wheel: visual, manual and cognitive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, any one of these can be dangerous on its own. Using a phone while driving is especially risky because it combines all three.

In Kentucky, drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a personal communication device while the vehicle is in motion, except in emergencies to contact law enforcement or medical services  (KRS 189.294).

“Distracted driving is one of the dangers on our roadways that is completely preventable,” KSP Public Affairs Branch Commander Sgt. Sudduth said. “Whether it’s a cellphone, adjusting the radio, or anything else that takes your attention away from driving, those few seconds can change lives forever. The Kentucky State Police is committed to protecting the people of this commonwealth, and that includes encouraging drivers to stay focused and make safety their top priority every time they get behind the wheel.”

 

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MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Transportation Cabinet, KSP and AAA officials will be at the Spindletop Driver Licensing Regional Office, located at 2624 Research Park Dr., in Lexington April 1, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 11a.m. to share driver tips and discuss the Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge.

 

Editor’s note:

  • Buckle Up/Phone Down campaign radio spots, ringtones, and videos may be downloaded/viewed at com.
  • Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge assets can be downloaded here.
  • Assets from today’s event will be available after it concludes here.

 

Gov. Beshear: Team Kentucky Encourages Teens To Drive Safely and Win Big

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Gov. Andy Beshear today announced that registration is open for Team Kentucky’s second Safe Teen Driving Challenge, which encourages safe driving behaviors to keep our highways safe while also giving teen drivers the chance to earn one of five cash prizes worth a total of $10,000.

Over the past three years, there have been more than 49,000 crashes involving teen drivers, resulting in over 13,000 injuries and tragically, 197 lost lives. The Safe Teen Driving Challenge, managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), aims to reduce those numbers by encouraging young drivers to build better habits and stay focused behind the wheel.

“As a dad of two teenage drivers who mean everything to me, I know we need to be doing everything we can to keep our kids safe on the road,” said Gov. Beshear. “This competition is one way to ensure we are helping our kids develop safe habits behind the wheel, while giving Kentucky teens a chance to win cash prizes as well.”

The challenge rewards the top five drivers with cash prizes, sponsored by AAA Blue Grass, AAA East Central and Intoximeters.

  • 1st Place: $3,000
  • 2nd Place: $2,500
  • 3rd Place: $2,000
  • 4th Place: $1,500
  • 5th Place: $1,000

 

“Teens are still developing their driving habits, which makes this an especially important time to reinforce safe behaviors behind the wheel,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs manager at AAA Blue Grass. “Distractions can take a driver’s attention away from the road in an instant. AAA is proud to partner with Team Kentucky and other traffic safety advocates to support initiatives like the Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge that help young drivers stay focused and build safe habits that last a lifetime.”

“Teen driver safety isn’t just about rules – it’s about protecting futures that haven’t begun,” said Rob Duckworth, regional manager at Intoximeters Inc. “Partnering with Team Kentucky to educate teens on the power of good decision making allows us to support the future of these teens and Kentucky.”

Winners will be announced in August, and the school of the winning students will also be recognized. Over 800 drivers participated in the challenge in 2025.

 

How to Join
This challenge is open to 15-to-19-year-old drivers with a valid permit or driver’s license and a smartphone. Parental consent is required for drivers under 18. To join, teens simply:

  1. Register online at kentuckyhighwaysafety.com/safe-teen-driving-challenge/ between Thursday, March 19, and Thursday, April 16, 2026 (cut-off is 11:59 p.m.).
  1. Download the DriveWell Go™ app, create a new account, and enter the contest token code.
  1. Drive safe, track your performance, and compete for the chance to win a prize.

Driving performance will be measured from April 17 to July 17, 2026, giving participants plenty of time to compete for the top spots.

 

How it Works
The app, powered by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), uses smartphone sensor data to identify risky behaviors like speeding, hard braking, harsh acceleration, cornering and phone use. Teens can track their progress and see how they rank on the app’s leaderboard, updated every two weeks, to provide valuable data to help young drivers become more aware of their habits behind the wheel.

The app uses machine learning to identify driving behaviors from sensor data and transform them into insights. The platform automatically determines if a person is in a vehicle and calculates if they’re the driver or passenger.

“Using tech to offer personalized driving insights can help encourage safe behaviors early in life as we look to this generation to build on Kentucky’s three-year downward trend in overall highway fatalities and serious injuries,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Driver education plus our engineering solutions and law enforcement actions all work together to make our highways safer for all.”

The Safe Teen Driving Challenge is one of many ways Team Kentucky and its partners are investing in equipping teens to be safer drivers. Other efforts include Kentucky Office of Highway Safety school outreach events that involve rollover and drunk driving simulators, the annual Ford Driving Skills for Life event, educational campaigns and localized hands on roundabout training for high schoolers.

 

For more information and to register, visit https://kentuckyhighwaysafety.com/safe-teen-driving-challenge/

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Editors: Click here for promotional graphics and videos.

Kentuckians Reminded To Arrange Sober Transportation for St. Patrick’s Day

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This St. Patrick’s Day, Team Kentucky is reminding everyone to do their part to prevent drunk driving and avoid turning celebration into tragedy. Kentuckians who plan to drink should think ahead by arranging a safe ride or designated sober driver to keep themselves and others safe.

“This St. Patrick’s Day, we ask that everyone does their part to make sure you are keeping yourself and your fellow Kentuckians safe,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to get home safely.”

To improve roadway safety, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind everyone that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Over the past three years, KYTC reported 40 crashes statewide related to a drunk driver on St. Patrick’s Day, resulting in 17 injuries and one fatality. Last year, approximately 14 percent of deaths on Kentucky roadways were due to a drunk driver.

To help prevent tragedies, take these steps:

  • Plan a sober ride. If you drink at all, use a designated driver, public transit, or a ride-share service.
  • Don’t walk impaired. Choose a sober companion and stay alert. Impairment increases the risk in everyday tasks like walking.
  • Report dangerous driving. Make an anonymous call to Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555 to report suspected drunk drivers.
  • Step in for friends. Take the keys and help arrange a safe ride home.
  • Buckle up every trip, every time. Seat belts are the best defense against serious injury or death.

 

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Editor’s note: Visit trafficsafetymarket.gov to download the images below.

 

                   

 

 

Super Bowl Celebrators Reminded: ‘Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk’

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For many Kentuckians, celebrating Super Bowl Sunday with friends and family is a time-honored tradition. To keep an evening of celebration from turning into tragedy, Team Kentucky encourages fans to plan a safe return home if festivities include alcohol.

“We all share the responsibility to keep our roads safe however you choose to celebrate,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “If your Sunday plans involve drinking, please plan ahead and arrange a safe ride home.”

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is teaming with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” reminder urging football fans to make the call that gets everyone home safely by driving sober.

“The choice to drive sober is a choice to save lives,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “Together, we can eliminate impaired driving crashes and prevent deaths by planning ahead, because everyone getting home safely is something we can all celebrate – no matter who wins the game.”

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, preliminary numbers indicate 90 people in Kentucky were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver in 2025.

To prevent impaired driving-related crashes, the following tips are recommended:

  1. Before festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night;
  2. If impaired, use a ride-share company or taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
  3. If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the Kentucky State Police toll-free line directly at 800-222-5555 or call 911;
  4. If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements; and
  5. Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, it’s your best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death in a crash.

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Editor’s note: Click here for Super Bowl image from NHTSA.

Kentucky Law Enforcement Officers Honored for Impaired Driving Enforcement

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear recognized nearly 170 state and local law enforcement officers for their outstanding efforts to keep our roadways safe from impaired drivers. This honor highlights their dedication and Team Kentucky’s ongoing commitment to saving lives and keeping our roads safe.

“Too many lives have been lost or changed forever by those who have made the unlawful and irresponsible decision to drive while impaired,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’re so grateful to our law enforcement officers whose life-saving work makes Kentucky roads safer for everyone.”

The Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards, held at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington and hosted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety, included awards to individuals representing more than 150 law enforcement agencies.

“When an officer stops an impaired driver on Kentucky’s roadways, they are potentially saving lives,” said Kentucky Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, Jenny True-Reed. “Their work is essential, and today we have the privilege of honoring their exceptional service to the citizens of the commonwealth.”

Awards were presented to those with the most impaired driving arrests in each agency and in each division from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. Award recipients received a plaque, while the top division winner was presented with the Highway Safety All-Star Award – a commemorative baseball bat from Louisville Slugger. There are six divisions, broken down by number of officers within the agency, and a division for Kentucky State Police:

  • Division I          1-10 officers
  • Division II        11-25 officers
  • Division III       26-50 officers
  • Division IV       51-100 officers
  • Division V        100+ officers
  • Division VI      Kentucky State Police

According to the KOHS, last year in Kentucky there were 4,263 total crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 2,068 injuries and 185 deaths.

“Too many families have felt the heartbreak caused by impaired driving,” said KOHS Executive Director Ryan Fisher. “This holiday season, we’re working alongside law enforcement to prevent these tragedies and give every Kentuckian the chance to celebrate safely with their loved ones.”

The KOHS, Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement agencies are partnering for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday enforcement campaign. Officers will be out Dec. 10, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026, watching for any moving hazardous violation, with an emphasis on impaired driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds the campaign and reports high-visibility enforcement reduces impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20%.

A list of recipients for the 2025 Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards and photos can be found here.

Kentucky Drivers Reminded To Plan Safe Rides This Holiday Season

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Team Kentucky values the safety of every driver and passenger on Kentucky roadways. In that spirit this holiday season, law enforcement across the state will be supporting the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign running from Dec. 10, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026.

“As we get ready to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, let’s do everything we can to keep our neighbors safe,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Make the choice to drive sober or plan ahead to protect both yourself and our neighbors.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), December drunk driving deaths are at their highest nationwide in 15 years. The agency also notes that even one drink can impair driving; at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02, visual functions and multitasking abilities begin to decline.

“Every year, lives are regrettably lost for something that was 100% preventable because someone chose to get behind the wheel impaired,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “There’s no shortage of options to stay safe, like designating a sober driver, calling a rideshare, or finding another safe ride. Protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone sharing the road this holiday season.”

Over the last five years in Kentucky, there have been 448 impaired driving-related crashes, resulting in 192 injuries and 13 deaths, during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

To prevent impaired driving-related tragedies this holiday season, KYTC recommends the following:

  1. Before festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night.
  2. If impaired, use a ride-booking company or taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.
  3. If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the KSP toll-free line directly at 800-222-5555 or call 911.
  4. If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination; and
  5. Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, but also the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.

The “Drive Sober” campaign is funded by NHTSA and distributed to law enforcement agencies through each state’s highway safety office.

For more information on drunken driving, visit https://kentuckyhighwaysafety.com/drive-sober-holiday/

Travel Safely This Thanksgiving: Buckle Up And Put The Phone Down

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As families across Kentucky take to the roads this Thanksgiving, Team Kentucky is reminding drivers that safety should always come first. Buckling up and avoiding distractions like cell phones not only protects you and your passengers but also helps keep your highways safe for everyone.

 

“As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, remember to make smart choices on the road,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Buckling up and driving alert behind the wheel are acts of kindness that keep you and your neighbors safe and sound.”

 

Over the last 10 years, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), any activity that pulls a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or attention away from the task of driving creates a serious safety hazard. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, as it combines all three types of distraction at once: visual, manual and cognitive. Even a momentary lapse in attention can significantly increase the risk of a crash.

 

Data from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety shows that each year distracted driving and driver inattention results in more than 40,000 crashes, more than 11,000 injuries and more than 150 deaths.

 

“The most heartbreaking crashes are the ones we know didn’t have to happen,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “A seat belt clicked and a phone put away can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy. We all have the power to make choices that protect our families and everyone sharing the road.” 

 

According to NHTSA, when worn correctly, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% for front-seat vehicle occupants and 60% for pickup truck, SUV and minivan occupants. Properly fastened seat belts contact the strongest parts of the body, such as the chest, hips and shoulders. A seat belt spreads the force of a crash over a wide area of the body, putting less stress on any one part. 

 

 

According to KOHS, each year in Kentucky, nearly half of those killed in motor vehicles are not wearing a seat belt.   

 

For more information, please visit https://bupdky.com/.

Kentuckians Reminded To Move Over on Roadways To Keep First Responders Safe

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During Crash Responder Safety Week, Nov. 17-21, Team Kentucky reminds drivers to slow down, move over and stay alert to keep first responders safe. Behind every flashing light is a responder working to save a life or protect our community. Protecting those who protect us starts behind the wheel.

“First responders put their lives at risk every day to keep Kentuckians safe, which is why we are reminding folks that we can all do our part to protect those who protect us by staying focused, remaining alert, and slowing down or moving over when you see flashing lights on the side of a roadway,” said Gov. Andy Beshear.

Kentucky’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law was expanded in July 2024 (KSR 189.930) to protect not only first responders but anyone in distress on the side of the road. The updated law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down when approaching any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights or warning signals, including emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and any vehicle with hazard lights or warning devices.

“Our roadways are safer when drivers stay aware and give space to anyone on the side of the road,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “Whether it’s a first responder, a tow truck operator, or a fellow driver dealing with an emergency, slowing down and moving over is a simple action that can prevent serious injuries or save a life. It’s not only the law; it’s the right thing to do.”

Every year, lives are put at risk when drivers fail to slow down or move over for first responders. In Kentucky, over the past three years, crashes involving emergency vehicles in response to an incident resulted in more than 1,000 collisions, more than 360 injuries and six deaths.

In addition to educating motorists, local responders are encouraged to take the free National Traffic Incident Management Responder training from the Federal Highway Administration to stay updated on best practices. More than 600,000 responders nationwide to date have been trained through free in-person, online instructor-led, or online self-paced curriculum.

All 50 states have enacted “Move Over” laws.

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Editor’s notes:  Click here for Move Over logo and here to view the proclamation.

Gov. Andy Beshear Declares Oct. 29 ‘Buckle Up, Phone Down Day’ To Promote Safer Highways

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To encourage Kentucky drivers to take two simple life-saving actions, Gov. Andy Beshear proclaimed Oct. 29 as Buckle Up, Phone Down Day.  Kentucky joins multiple states in the effort to promote highway safety by asking drivers to wear a seatbelt and avoid distracted driving when behind the wheel.

“A crash can happen in an instant, and taking the simplest steps like putting your phone down and buckling up can save lives,” said Gov. Beshear. “Please, make the right choices to protect yourself and your neighbors. Let’s all work together to keep our roadways safe for our families.”

Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS), each year in Kentucky, distracted driving results in more than 40,000 crashes, more than 11,000 injuries and more than 150 deaths.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), using a phone while driving is especially dangerous. Anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the task of driving is a hazard – and using a phone combines all three types of distraction: visual, manual and cognitive.

“Even if you’re a responsible driver, others may not be,” said KYTC Sec. Jim Gray. “Your first line of defense is to always wear your seatbelt. You can’t control other drivers’ actions, but you can control your own. It only takes two seconds to buckle your seatbelt, and those few seconds can be enough to save your life if you’re in a crash.”

According to KOHS, each year in Kentucky, nearly half of those killed in motor vehicles are not wearing a seat belt. NHTSA reports that wearing a seat belt gives motorists the best chance of preventing injury or death in a crash. Properly fastened seat belts rest on the strongest parts of the body, such as the chest, hips and shoulders. They spread the force of a crash over a wide area, reducing stress on any one part of the body, and allow the body to slow down more gradually, extending the time over which crash forces are absorbed.

The Buckle Up, Phone Down campaign was created in Missouri in 2017 and has expanded to nearly two dozen states across the country. It was adopted in Kentucky in 2019. Gov. Beshear also declared proclamations for Buckle Up, Phone Down Day in 2023 and 2024.

Visit bupdky.com to learn more and to download an original cell phone ringtone.

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Editors note:  Radio spots, ringtone and videos may be downloaded at bupdky.com

The 2025 Buckle Up Phone Day proclamation is available here.

 

As Halloween Approaches, Kentuckians Are Reminded “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving”

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To keep Kentuckians safe this Halloween, Team Kentucky is reminding drivers to plan a safe ride home if festivities include drinking and to watch for pedestrians.

“It’s important that Kentuckians make smart choices to protect themselves and others while on the road,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Please plan ahead, make sure you have a safe way to get home and do not get behind the wheel after drinking. I hope everyone has a safe, happy Halloween.”

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety, last year in Kentucky, there were 3,486 highway crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 1,683 injuries and 113 deaths. In the week leading up to and including Halloween, 84 alcohol-involved collisions resulted in two deaths and 43 injuries.

State transportation officials are partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind motorists and pedestrians that if they are under the influence of any substance, they are not safe to drive or walk. According to NHTSA, approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers.

“You may think you’re okay to drive or even walk, but even one drink can impair your judgment and slow your reaction time,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “With trick-or-treating activities planned in many communities, it’s critical to watch your surroundings to keep everyone safe.”

Follow these simple tips for a safe celebration:

  • Designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or request a ride share even if you only have one alcoholic beverage.
  • Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. If intoxicated, designate a sober friend to walk you home and use caution.
  • If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement. You may call the Kentucky State Police toll-free line at 1-800-222-5555 or use the one-touch dial feature through the Kentucky State Police’s app. Callers will remain anonymous and should provide a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.
  • Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take their keys away and arrange for a safe ride home.
  • Wear a seat belt. It is not only the law; it is the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.

For more information, visit nhtsa.gov/campaign/buzzed-driving.

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Ed.: Click here for Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving logo.