With more people than ever expected to travel on America's highways during the long July 4th weekend, this week could be one of the deadliest periods ever for impaired driving fatalities. To help safeguard the community during this holiday period, the Cornell University Police will be fielding extra patrols and sobriety checkpoints to protect citizens from impaired drivers.

As part of the "You Drink & Drive. You Lose" national campaign, Cornell Police will be working along with law enforcement agencies nationwide during this busy time of the year. From June 27 to July 13, local and state law enforcement officials will be out in full force throughout the nation.

After years of gradual improvement, fatalities in alcohol-related crashes are on the rise nationally. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2001, 17,448 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, representing 41 percent of the 42,116 people killed in all traffic crashes. In 2002, NHTSA reports, 17,970 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, representing approximately 42 percent of the 42,850 traffic fatalities nationwide.

"There will be no warnings," said Sgt. Chuck Howard, Cornell Police traffic enforcement coordinator. "Our message is simple: You drink and drive. You lose. Violators can lose their licenses, time from their jobs and lose money in high fines and court costs, as well as possibly face imprisonment for repeat offenses, assault and vehicular manslaughter. Refuse a blood alcohol concentration test and you can lose your license on the spot and have your car impounded. You'll be spending your money on bail, court, lawyer and towing fees instead of on your summer vacation."

Cornell Police reminds everyone:

• Don't risk it. If you plan to drive, don't drink.
• Choose a sober designated driver before going out.
• Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity is being held.
• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.