9:22 a.m., Sept. 1, 2009----The University of Delaware campus community is reminded that the state will be participating in a national impaired driving crackdown, titled “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest,” through Labor Day weekend.

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So far this year, overall fatalities in Delaware are down 8 percent from this time last year and alcohol-related traffic deaths are down by nearly 50 percent, according to the state Office of Highway Safety and Cynthia R. Genau, community traffic safety coordinator with University of Delaware Cooperative Extension.

Yet, driving under the influence remains the most preventable of all traffic crashes because those who drive drunk make the choice to drink alcohol and the choice to drive impaired.

This year, police agencies will be conducting 13 checkpoints and approximately 300 DUI patrols statewide during the crackdown period.

What you can do

If you are going out and plan to drink, then plan to use a designated driver. Remember the designated driver is not the person who has had the least amount to drink, but the person who has chosen not to drink at all.

If you go out and end up drinking when you didn't plan to, have the name and phone number of a friend or relative you can call to come get you.

If you are having a get-together, ensure that each car has a designated driver. Offer non-alcoholic beverages and stock up on low-salt, high protein food for your guests to munch on.