Even with Covid-19 sheltering in place and wearing a mask, it’s just as important to avoid going to jail, getting injured, injuring someone else, or even worse.
Since the holiday season has a higher accident rate than others on average, December has been designated National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Traffic-related deaths spike between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), In 2018 there were 10,511 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes in which at least one driver had a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher. This totaled 29 percent of all traffic fatalities for the year.
3 Myths about Drinking and Driving:
- Myth: Black coffee or a cold shower helps you to sober up.
Fact: Neither coffee or a cold shower can get rid of the alcohol in your system. There is no fast cure, only time can help you sober up. - Myth: I’m not driving that far.
Fact: A majority of accidents occur near the home. Alcohol directly affects your judgment and motor skills. Drivers will therefore need a lot more time to react to an unexpected situation, especially if they are under the effects of alcohol or drugs. - Myth: I’ll drive slowly and take the “back roads”.
Fact: Driving slowly when you are intoxicated or impaired will not help. You will not be able to compensate for the impairments in your reaction time or judgment. Operating a slow-moving vehicle under the influence is still considered a danger to others on the road.
How You can Observe National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Practice sobriety
Try a sobriety challenge for a period of time during December. Even if it’s just one or two weeks, you may find yourself enjoying the many benefits of abstaining such as saving money, losing weight, and better sleep to name a few.
Read More: How to cope with stress without alcohol
Plan to use a ride-sharing app
It’s ok to let loose but it’s important to get home safely. Planning to use a ride-sharing app and let the professionals do the driving so you can relax and have a good time.
Be a Designated Driver
Be the hero and volunteer to drive your loved ones back home. Enjoy a mocktail knowing it’s a small sacrifice that your friends will greatly appreciate.
Support those who are directly affected by Drunk Driving
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) “Every U.S. President since Ronald Reagan has proclaimed December National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The proclamation also remembers victims of impaired driving, offers prayers for grieving families impacted by these tragedies and honors law enforcement who are on the front lines of the violent, preventable crime of impaired driving.”
More Information: https://www.madd.org/december-is-national-impaired-driving-prevention-month/
