VA Providence Supports National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Did you know that Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, two of the most celebrated days of the year which occur in December, are among the deadliest?
That’s why the VA Providence Healthcare System is observing National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a campaign to raise awareness and prevent impaired driving caused by alcohol, drugs, or other factors.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 32 people in the United States are killed every day in crashes involving an alcohol - impaired driver which equates to one death every 45 minutes. To help reduce alcohol - involved crashes, nearly all states have set the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving at 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL). While most of us understand alcohol’s adverse effects on driving like impairing coordination, focus, good judgement and quick reactions to the environment, research has shown that both legal and illegal drugs also impair the skills needed to drive safely. Therefore, as we come together and celebrate the holidays, educate yourself and others on the risks of driving while impaired and take steps to stay safe. The VA Providence Healthcare System is committed to helping Veterans and their families stay safe and healthy during the holiday season and beyond.
WHAT CAN DRIVERS DO
- Plan Accordingly. If you plan to drink alcohol or use drugs, make plans so that you do not have to drive.
- Get a Ride Home. If you have been drinking alcohol or using drugs, call a taxi, use a rideshare service or get a ride home with a driver who has not been drinking or using drugs.
- Agree on a Trusted Designated Driver Ahead of Time. If you are with a group, then agree on a trusted designated driver in the group who will not drink alcohol or use drugs.
- Be Aware of the Effects Prescriptions and Over - the - Counter Medicines. It is not just alcohol, marijuana and illegal drugs that can impair your ability to drive. They can impair driving by causing drowsiness, altering visual functions, affecting mental judgment as well as motor skills.
WHAT WE ALL CAN DO
- DO NOT let your friends or family drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Never ride with an impaired driver.
- If hosting a party where alcohol or drugs will be available, remind your guests to plan accordingly. Arrange for alternative transportation or agree on a trusted designated driver who will not drink alcohol or use drugs.
- Always wear a seat belt when inside a vehicle regardless if you are driving or not.
- If you or someone you know is having trouble with alcohol or drugs, get help.
By following these tips, you can protect yourself and others from the dangers of impaired driving and enjoy the holiday season safely. Remember, impaired driving is not only illegal, but also deadly. Don’t let it ruin your holidays or your life.
The VA Providence Healthcare System wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for your service and your trust.