December is a time for
holiday parties and family gatherings. With these events comes the enjoyment of
food and refreshments, many of which can impair drivers. While most party goers
celebrate responsibly, there are some who choose to take a risk and drive under
the influence.
Impaired driving statistics
Impaired driving is a
national epidemic. And while December is a time when we recognize National Drunk & Drugged
Driving Prevention Month and National Impaired Driving Month the problem is not
confined to one month of the year. According
to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2014 nearly 10,000 people were killed in accidents
involving impaired drivers. This
accounted for 31 percent of traffic deaths in the US that year. Additionally,
over 1.1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence.
What can you do?
Whether you are the driver,
a party host or just a family or friend of the person with the keys, everyone
has a responsibility to stop impaired driving.
Here are some things to consider.
The Driver
- Don’t drink – If you do choose to enjoy a few cocktails, monitor how much you are consuming.
- Don’t do drugs – If it is an illegal substance you should not be consuming it, period. If you are in a state where marijuana is legal, do not operate a vehicle if you have smoked.
- Eat something – Enjoy some holiday treats along with your favorite beverage.
- Go non-alcoholic – Switch to a soft drink or water after you have enjoyed an alcoholic beverage.
- Phone a friend – If you have consumed too much ask a friend to take your keys.
- Stay the night – If you are unable to find someone to drive you home safely, stay the night or find accommodations within walking distance.
- Party host
- Have options – Serve plenty of non-alcoholic drinks as well as a variety of food choices.
- Monitor your guests – If someone has consumed too much, take their keys and invite them to stay the night.
- Make arrangements – Let guests know about alternate transportation so that they can plan ahead of time.
- Family and Friends
- Make a plan – Know everyone’s expectations for transportation before the party begins.
- Say no – If someone is too impaired to drive, do not get in the car.
