Governor Bill Richardson Announces Hotline to Report Suspected Drunk Drivers

"The DrunkBusters hotline effectively deputizes every New Mexican in our fight against DWI," said Governor Richardson. "This hotline empowers citizens to fight drunk drivers in their own communities, and it will be a powerful weapon in our anti-DWI arsenal."

New Mexico is only the second state to implement a DWI hotline. The Governor's initiative is being funded with $250,000 approved this year by the New Mexico Legislature.

The Governor also joined law enforcement officers and city and county officials to kick off the holiday Superblitz. During the Superblitz there will be DWI checkpoints throughout New Mexico and increased law enforcement presence statewide which will be accompanied by a media campaign to increase awareness.

"Don't spend your holidays behind bars. Remember: You Drink, You Drive, You Lose," added the Governor.

Governor Richardson reiterated that his anti-crime legislative package for the next session will include funding for eligible New Mexico counties who want to make the commitment to get tougher on DWI. Studies clearly show that incarceration combined with treatment reduces the number of repeat DWI offenders. In San Juan County, first time convicted DWI offenders must complete 28 days of incarceration and treatment. The Governor is proposing to expand the funding to additional New Mexico counties that are willing to duplicate this program.