Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, November 29, 1994 TAG: 9411290080
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
A sobriety check point set up from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday led to one charge of driving under the influence and a couple of safety belt violations, Vanessa Hill, the department's crime prevention specialist, said Monday.
``We plan to do it again next month. This will be something that'll be going on, too, before the Christmas holidays,'' she said.
According to the most recent data Hill had available, motor vehicle deaths in alcohol-related crashes nationally dropped by 11 percent from 1991 to 1992. But there were still 17,699 alcohol-related fatalities in 1992, Hill said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that alcohol was involved in 45 percent of fatal crashes that year.
Meanwhile, a safety restraint survey conducted by the Pulaski Police Department Nov. 16 showed that 45 percent of area drivers were using seat belts. In 1993, Hill said, overall safety belt use nationally was 66 percent.
Estimates show that from 1983 through 1992, seat belts saved 34,794 lives.
Hill said her department also is planning activities to enhance its public image. Those activities include a canned food drive, buying gifts for a retirement or nursing home during the holiday season, and raising money for community projects.
Chief Herb Cooley said the idea for a public relations committee within the department started when an officer suggested activities the department might try during Law Enforcement Memorial Week in May, when officers who died on the job are recognized. Cooley said he realized a lot of those activities would make for good public relations all year.
``I gave it to Vanessa, and she took it and ran with it,'' he said.
by CNB