DECEMBER IS NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
 
Why do we recognize National Impaired Driving Prevention Month?  Because the statistics surrounding impaired driving – which includes distracted driving, drugged driving, and drunk driving – are alarming:
 

• In an average year, 30 million Americans drive drunk, and 10 million Americans drive impaired by illicit drugs.
• Every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver.  This amounts to one death every 51 minutes.
• In 2013, 9.9 million people (3.8% of the population) reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs.  This was highest among 18-25 year olds, where 10.6% reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs.
• 57% of fatally injured drivers had alcohol and/or other drugs in their system -17% had both.

 
In his proclamation about National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, President Obama introduced the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.  Occurring from December 16, 2015 through January 1, 2016, the initiative seeks to raise awareness of the dangers associated with drunk and drugged driving and aims to prevent as many of these tragedies from occurring as possible.  Says the President:
 
“No person should suffer the tragedy of losing someone as a result of drunk, drugged, or distracted driving, but for far too long the danger of impaired driving has robbed people of the comfort of knowing that when they or a loved one leaves home they will return safely.  Impaired driving puts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk, and each year it claims the lives of thousands of Americans.  During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit to preventing these incidents by acting responsibly and by promoting responsible behavior in those around us.  Together, we can enhance public safety and work to ensure a happy, healthy life for all of our people.”
 
Here are some safety steps for consideration for this year’s Christmas and New Year’s holiday period:
 

• Prior to any drinking, designate a non-drinking driver within your group.
• When drinking alcohol, allow at least one hour between drinks because it takes an hour to get rid of one drink from your body (one drink is equal to a 12-ounce beer, five ounce glass of wine or 1 ½ shot of liquor).
• Don’t mix alcohol with other drugs, including over-the-counter and prescription medications.
• Don’t let your friends drive impaired.  Take their keys away.
• If you have been drinking, get a ride home or call a taxi.
• If you’re hosting a party this holiday season, be sure to offer some alcohol-free beverages.

 
Christmas and New Years are special holiday times when families and friends get together to share the joy and good tidings for the past year, and celebrate the incoming of the New Year.  By taking a few extra precautions you can ensure that you and your loved ones will be around for the next year’s celebration.  You can start by “IF YOU HAD A DRINK, DON’T DRIVE”!!!!!!
 
 
Article pulled from the Chicago Tribune