SANTA FE – New Mexico is launching a new anti-drunken driving campaign that also encourages people to wear face coverings and keep their distance from one another.
Officials said Thursday this will mark the first time the state uses animation in its “ENDWI” television spots and social media posts.
Alcohol sales increased when people started staying home because of the coronavirus pandemic, and state Transportation Secretary Mike Sandoval said the concern is there could be an increase in impaired driving as the state opens and people are anxious to socialize.
Figures show there were 33 alcohol-related fatalities in New Mexico during the first five months of the year. That’s half of what was reported between January and May 2019.
Overall, there were 173 alcohol-related fatalities in New Mexico in 2019 – 21 more than the previous year.
The “ENDWI” campaign was created in 2012 to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities by promoting designated drivers and safe rides.
