NMDOT unveiling safety campaign

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division (NMDOT-TSD) is unveiling a new campaign to curb drunk driving, distracted driving, and lack of seatbelt use.

Starting Monday, the DOT will release spots to coincide with the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo holidays. The spots are from the perspective of a child, who tells a story of loss created by traffic fatalities the department stresses are preventable.

“There were 390 traffic fatalities in New Mexico in 2020; 139 of those were alcohol related, 153 were due to people not using seatbelts or proper restraints, and 147 involved distracted driving,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Sandoval. “The sad reality is drivers can control the devastating consequences of distracted, drunk and unrestrained driving.”

To combat drunk driving this St. Patrick’s Day, the NMDOT is partnering with Bernalillo County, the city of Albuquerque, Cumulus radio and Uber for “Take a Ride on Us.” The partnership is offering an Uber credit for up to $20 each way in the Bernalillo County metro area beginning Saturday, March 13 starting at noon through Thursday, March 18 at 3 a.m.

Through 3 a.m. Thursday Uber rides are available to the first 750 riders using the code: Green2021. The code does not include tips or refunds for trips under $20, and cannot be used for Uber Eats.

Department spokesperson Manon Arnett said the program is limited to Bernalillo County due to lack of registered Uber drivers outside of the state’s metro areas, but that the department had a statewide promotion with Lyft during the Super Bowl weekend and is eyeing further partnerships.