For over 40 years, we have recognized National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in the month of December.
For over 40 years, we have recognized National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in the month of December.
We use this month to help raise awareness that impaired driving can be not just dangerous but sometimes deadly. We also use this month to consider ways to protect ourselves and those we love.
As we enter the holiday season, more people are venturing out to attend celebrations, happy hours and gatherings with family and friends. At many events, alcohol or other substances may be used. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, if people choose to use alcohol or other substances and then get behind the wheel of a car, the results can be disastrous - anything from a ticket to jail time to a deadly accident. None of those are worth the risk! Every year over 10,000 people die from drunk driving related crashes and during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone over 200 people die from alcohol related crashes.
The good news is, there are ways to help prevent many of these accidents.
- Educate yourself and others on the risks of impaired driving. Know that there are no shortcuts to sobering up such as drinking coffee. And even if you wait an hour or so after your last drink there may still be alcohol in your system.
- Have conversations ahead of time so that you can avoid a more awkward exchange "in the moment.”
- Set specific expectations for safe choices at different events.
- Encourage ride-sharing or if you are hosting a party, make sure to check with guests and see if they need a ride home.
- If you have teenagers, talk to them about the dangers of impaired driving and getting into the car with someone who has used alcohol or other substances.
- Offer to drive your teen to and from parties or coordinate with other parents. Even if your teen doesn’t drink, they may still feel pressured to get a ride with someone who has been drinking.
If we all work together we can make this holiday season a safe and joyous time for all.
