Declarations

Drunk Driving Decrease

“I’m pleased to see that our battle against drunk driving is succeeding. However, alcohol still kills 13,000 people a year on our roads and we must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to prevent drunk driving.”

—Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who said he is concerned about the prevalence of drivers who use drugs, and officials should continue to fight against all impaired drivers. A new roadside survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirms a continuing decline in the percentage of legally intoxicated drivers. In 1973, 7.5 percent of drivers had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. In the latest survey, that figure had fallen to 2.2 percent. A BAC of 0.08 or higher is now above the legal limit in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Cancelled Concert Coverage

“For the record, this great company I work for is not bankrupt and not going out of business and certainly not in trouble. I’m heartbroken but the company’s fine.”

—Concert promoter AEG Live’s chief executive Randy Phillips said that insurance will help cover any losses on the now-canceled Michael Jackson concert series if the pop star died accidentally – including of a drug overdose – but not if he died of natural causes. AEG took out $17.5 million in insurance coverage through Lloyd’s of London.