National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. National Impaired Driving Prevention Month focuses on both drunk driving and the growing problem of drugged driving. Drugged driving has been overlooked for a number of years, but research shows it may be

responsible for more than 20 percent of car crashes.

In 2010, 10,228 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States (NHTSA, 2012). And, according to the Center for Disease Control’s Vital Signs, 112 million times a year alcohol-impaired drivers put you at risk.

Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs is never OK. Drunk and drugged driving can result in horrible tragedies and loss of life. Drunk and drugged driving can easily be avoided by making smart choices.

According to this year’s Presidential Proclamation – “Reducing impaired driving and keeping our roadways safe is everyone’s responsibility. Parents and other caring adults can play an important role in educating young Americans about the dangers of impaired driving; adults can model good practices while driving and can help new drivers develop safe habits. This holiday season, all Americans can drive responsibly and encourage their loved ones to do the same, including by designating a sober driver or making alternative transportation arrangements.”

For more information, please visit www.NHTSA.gov/DriveSober, www.WhiteHouse.gov/ONDCP/DruggedDriving, and www.Distraction.gov.”