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Driving Impaired Can Be A Deadly Mistake

With the holiday season just around the corner, now is a good time to remind everyone to be responsible and drive sober. Alcohol is the single greatest contributing factor to fatal motor vehicle crashes nationwide. But, keep in mind that fatigue, stress and certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can also affect your ability to drive. And when they're combined with alcohol, it can be an even deadlier mix.

 

In 1996 alone, 321,000 people were injured and 17,126 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives. Don't be one of them. Make it a life-governing rule not to drive when you've had too much to drink. It's as simple as that. Ride with a designated

driver or call a cab or a friend.

 

If you've been working overtime or the baby has been keeping you up at night, be aware of how tired you are. Studies have shown that staying awake for 18 hours has the same effect on human performance as having a blood alcohol level of .05. If you're on medication that can cause drowsiness, again, call a cab or catch a ride with someone else.

 

You have a responsibility to yourself, your family, friends and co-workers to avoid being involved in an impaired-driving crash. You also have a responsibility to make sure others stay safe. So if you're hosting a party, serve alternatives to alcohol, have transportation options ready for anyone who shouldn't drive, and, of course, do not serve alcohol to anyone who is under 21.

 

Be a responsible guest as well. When you're at office and family events, and you see other guests who have had too much to drink getting ready to drive, stop them. Take away their keys and call a cab or drive them home yourself. When you're going out with friends, designate someone as the driver beforehand, and make sure that person agrees to abstain from drinking alcohol the entire time.

 

You'll be setting a great example for others, especially your children. Adult behavior has been proven to have a profound effect on young people's decisions about alcohol. Remember, children will do as you do, not as you say. So if you drink, demonstrate responsibility and use alcohol in moderation. You'll be ensuring your safety now and their safety in the years to come.

 

Stay Alert, Stay Alive

 

Tips for keeping you, your loved ones and others safe on the road:

· Be responsible. Drive sober!

· If you're taking prescription medicine or over-the-counter medicine that warns you not to drive, then don't risk it.

· If you're overly tired or stressed, call a cab or call a friend for a ride.

· Always buckle up! It's your best defense against impaired and poor drivers.

· Drive courteously but defensively. Keep your eye out for the other guy.

 

Clues on how to spot an impaired driver:

· Weaving, swerving or drifting between lanes

· Driving at a very slow or very fast speed

· Inconsistent signal use

· Erratic and dangerous braking

· Driving with the window down in cold weather

· Driving with tires on the lane markings

 

 

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