Important facts about National Drunk Driving Prevention Month
The Purpose of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Since December is one of the busiest months of the year filled with winter holiday celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, there are many more social events and late-night gatherings where alcohol is available. Unfortunately, driving under the influence of alcohol is quite common during the holiday season. Drunk driving puts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk, claiming the lives of thousands of Americans each year. In December, we celebrate National Impaired Driving Prevention Month to raise awareness of the issue.
Some important facts about this month
It is reported that each year around 30 million people drive while intoxicated and around 10 million drivers get behind the wheel after consuming illegal drugs.
In 2010, almost 25 people died every day in traffic accidents under the influence of alcohol. Drinking and driving can be deadly, especially for teens.
Young adults (ages 21 to 34) are much more likely to die in a car accident after drinking alcohol.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day, 28 people in the United States lose their lives in car accidents involving a driver under the influence of alcohol.
In 2014, of the 1,070 traffic deaths among children (ages 0-14), nearly 19% involved drivers under the influence of alcohol.
Drugs other than alcohol are also a factor in traffic accidents.
Effective Preventive Measures
Prevention begins with our sense of personal responsibility. It’s about time drivers, regardless of their age, start thinking about how they can practice safe driving and reevaluate their driving habits.
Conducting school programs and educating teens on the importance of NOT getting in the car with a driver who is under the influence would be an effective solution.
Electronic monitoring of repeat DWI offenders also appears to be effective. Ignition interlocks in automobiles prevent anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above a specified level from operating the vehicle.
If you come across a possibly drunk driver on the road, contact the police immediately! Your timely action could save someone’s life.
Families play a fundamental role in ending impaired driving. We should all educate our children about the risks involved in the consumption of alcohol or illicit drugs and, above all, how dangerous it is to drive.
If your vacation plans involve drinking liquor, be sure to always plan ahead for a safe trip home.
Every year, a greater volume of vehicles flood the roads. People rush to see their loved ones during the holidays and the chances of getting into a traffic accident increase during these periods. While most people are well informed, there are still many others who are unaware of how this easily avoidable problem could affect their loved ones. It is our personal duty to help people understand how dangerous this habit really is.
Organize a local awareness campaign to explain the risks involved and how drinking and driving can affect families. Surprise attendees with personalized gifts. Silicone bracelets are perfect for this type of campaign because they are original, resistant, durable and inspiring. You can get them in different colors, fonts, sizes, and styles. The bracelets carry messages. Choose from “Think and Drive”, “Never Drink and Drive” or come up with something of your own.
Have a safe and happy Christmas season!
