Recognizing National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Our roadways can be dangerous, especially during the holiday season. Two of the most celebrated days of the year, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, are among the deadliest. Impaired driving crashes increase throughout the month of December as more people travel to and from events where alcohol is served. That's why December is recognized as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
Alcohol is only one cause of impaired driving. Drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, and some over-the-counter medicines, can also impair driving by causing drowsiness, altering reaction time, and affecting mental judgment and motor skills. Other factors, such as fatigue and stress, can impair your ability to drive. Drivers should avoid driving while impaired due to any of these factors, just as they would if they are drinking alcohol.
As the holidays approach, it is important to be aware of some alarming statistics. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed over 26 million people ages 16 or older drove under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs during the past year. Approximately 17 percent of these people were 20 to 25 years old.
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and nonfatal injury among U.S. adolescents, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths and 300,000 nonfatal injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As we gather this holiday season, remember these tips:
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There are no shortcuts to “sobering up” and being safe to drive.
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A person’s reaction time is slowed by the effects of alcohol and drugs long before they show signs of intoxication.
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Stopping drinking an hour or more before planning to drive does not mean the alcohol will have “worn off.”
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Taking a cold shower or drinking coffee does not “sober you up” faster.
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Taking aspirin or other medications can increase risk factors and cause additional harm. Allowing enough time to completely sober up is the only way to reduce risk.
This holiday season let’s recognize National Impaired Driving Prevention Month by playing an active role in preventing a tragedy and ensuring that friends and family get safely to and from their celebrations. Speak up about unsafe behavior. Let’s do our part to keep each other safe for the holidays.
For additional information on National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, please check out the following: Socializing Safely This Season: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month | SAMHSA.
If you want to learn more about how to address problem drinking or drug misuse, please contact your installation Substance Assessment and Counseling Center (SACC).