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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Staying Safe While Enjoying the Holiday

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Monday, December 29, 2014   

DENVER - Nationwide, as many as 800 people die in car crashes involving a drunk driver every December. It's why this month is one of the most dangerous times on the nation's roads and why organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving are working hard to make sure people take precautions so they don't hurt themselves or someone else. Jan Withers is the national president of MADD.

"We know too much now," says Withers. "We all know about designated drivers. We all know the dangers, but the key is not to decide after you've had some alcohol in your system. We really need to make a sober decision, before we ever start drinking, how we're going to get home safely."

In Colorado, 133 people died in 2012 in drunk-driving accidents, a 17 percent increase over the year before. According to MADD, it costs the state $704 million in taxpayer subsidies. Since 2009, Colorado offers shorter license suspensions if convicted drunk drivers agree to ignition interlocks that require them to pass a breathalyzer test before their car will start. Withers says in addition to planning for your own safe ride home, it's important to evaluate the alcohol intake of your friends before letting them leave a holiday party, and don't be afraid to prevent them from getting behind the wheel.

Withers knows firsthand the devastation drunk driving can cause, having lost her daughter to a drunk driver 23 years ago.

"Some days it seems like yesterday because the pain is so intense," she says. "Sometimes it seems like a lifetime ago, but indeed, the hole in my heart never goes away."

This month local police departments and the state highway patrol are planning additional patrols for drunk drivers. If you witness a suspected drunk driver, you can call star-F-H-P from your cell phone. Drivers caught while driving impaired face an automatic suspension of their driving privileges for 30 days while they await trial and the possibility of losing their licenses for at least a year after their first conviction.


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