Don't be a statistic this holiday season or throughout the year because of drunk or drugged driving. Impaired driving will affect one in three Americans during their lifetimes, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).
Driving after drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs is a serious concern, especially around the holiday season when many people attend parties where alcohol and drugs may be readily available.
December is designated as national drunk and drugged driving prevention month to raise awareness of the risks associated with driving after drinking or using drugs. In 2005 in Nebraska, there were 1,821 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 81 deaths, according to the Nebraska Highway Safety Division. In addition, there were 14,525 arrests for driving while intoxicated.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nationally in 2004 those risks included:
30 percent of all fatal crashes during the week were alcohol related, compared to 51 percent on weekends.
41 percent of all traffic crashes were alcohol-related.
Someone died in an alcohol-related traffic crash every 30 minutes.
There are steps you can take to be safer:
Even one drink can slow reflexes. Decide ahead of time to avoid alcohol and illicit drugs completely.
If you choose to drink while attending parties, designate a driver who agrees not to drink at all and will drive you home.
Call a taxi to take you home, or see if your community offers sober ride programs during the holidays.
Stay the night where you are.
By Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
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