It’s the holiday season and that means holiday parties and libations! Millions of us will be on the road more than usual while we shop for gifts, and drive to and from holiday parties this year. Sadly, although we have all heard of MADD and the devastating impact driving drunk has on people’s lives millions of people continue to drive drunk, drugged, or distracted. And even in 2010 1.5 million Americans were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). In 2011 every 53 minutes someone was killed in a drunk driving crash. And every 90 seconds, someone was injured. December is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and this month you can help prevent drunk and drugged driving injuries and deaths. Every year thousands of people die due to drinking or drugged driving, and many innocent lives are shattered. Studies have shown the highest percentage of drunk drivers are those between the ages of 21 to 24 (34%), followed by ages 25 to 34 (30%). Interestingly, drunk-driving deaths dropped 2.5% nationwide last year but even one death is still too many. How does your state measure up? Here are a couple of facts: Texas had the greatest number of deaths, 1,213 and Washington D.C. the least 8.
We’ve all heard of drunk driving and heard of M.A.D.D (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) but what is drugged driving? Well it is driving while using any mind-altering substance – whether that be prescription pills or marijuana. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Roadside Survey “more than 16% of weekend, nighttime drivers tested positive for illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs, and more than 11% tested positive for illicit drugs.”
What drugs do you ask contribute to accidents? Great question. Studies and ER (Emergency Room) visits have shown that alcohol and THC, (tetrahydrocannabinol -the main component of marijuana), are the most commonly found substances in impaired drivers, fatally injured drivers, and motor crash victims’ blood. Other drugs that have repeatedly shown up in high levels in toxicology tests are: cocaine, benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety or sleep, and opioid pain relievers. This means that even if you have a prescription for a medication and are under a doctor’s supervision it’s important to remember that drugs that have sedative effects like Percocet, Vicodin, Xanax, and Ambien are powerful and can have lasting effects.
So how can YOU prevent debilitated driving?
1) If possible use public transportation
2) Have a designated driver set BEFORE you start partying
3) Don’t serve minors – even at home
4) Have a last call – stop serving alcohol an hour before your party ends
5) Offer non-alcoholic drink options to your guests
6) Be flexible – and offer guest to stay with you if they are unfit to drive home
7) Keep cab fare on you or consider taking Uber
8) Stay off the phone. Be alert especially at night
9) Don’t send or read texts while driving
Remember buzzed driving is drunk driving.. whether it is alcohol or drugs.
Be safe and have a wonderful holiday season.
XO
Dr. V