NM improves in DWI fatality rankings

SANTA FE (AP) - Statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show New Mexico has dropped out of the Top 10 in national rankings for drunken-driving fatalities.

New Mexico once had the worst DWI problem in the nation.

According to the report, New Mexico was 11th for the number of DWI fatalities per 100,000 population in 2008. New Mexico ranked ninth for DWI fatalities in both 2006 and 2007.

Gov. Bill Richardson says state officials and residents have worked very hard to keep drunk drivers off streets and highways, and the rankings reflect progress.

The national study included any crash where a driver's blood-alcohol level was .08 percent or higher.

Since taking office, Richardson's administration has implemented several anti-DWI initiatives, including increased law enforcement, public awareness campaigns and making ignition interlocks mandatory after first-time convictions.