Anything that lessens your concentration, alertness, or reaction time will make you an impaired driver. Just about every driver – including you – will fit that description at some time.
The Myths
- Beer is less intoxicating than other types of alcoholic beverages. Wrong. Alcohol is alcohol, no matter the source.
- A cold shower or hot coffee can help you sober up. Wrong. At best, you become a more wide-awake drunk.
- Eat a lot before you drink and you'll stay sober. Wrong. Food delays the absorption of alcohol, but you'll get just as drunk eventually.
- "I can handle it." Wrong. This is the favorite phrase of impaired drivers. Don't believe it.
Who Causes the Accidents?
- Young adults in the 21 to 34 age group cause 50 percent of all alcohol-related fatalities.
- It is estimated that one in seven adults is a problem drinker, and is therefore a potential danger to themselves and others when behind the wheel.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that up to 20 percent of drivers involved in injury accidents have been taking drugs (other than alcohol).
- Impaired drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents late at night and on weekends.
- If you allow someone who is obviously impaired to drive, you become part of the problem. Take their keys, take them home, call a cab, or do whatever is necessary to keep them from driving.
What to Do
Review this list and add to it from your own experience.
- Don't drink and drive.
- If you take medications and drive, ask your doctor about the risks.
- Don't ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Volunteer to be a designated driver.
- Avoid aggressive drivers. Pull over, turn off, or slow down, and let them pass.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Avoid driving late at night or when you are very tired.
- Choose vehicles with airbags.
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- Don't tailgate.
- Avoid dark, rural roads.
- Don't use a cell phone. Pull over to talk.
- Don't put on make-up, comb your hair, read, or eat while you drive.
- Report erratic drivers to the police.
- Report anyone you know to be impaired who insists on driving.
- Teach your children the facts and dangers of impaired driving. Enforce strict rules when your children drive your car.
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Summary
If you don't drink or ride with anyone who does, you improve your survival odds considerably. Do whatever is necessary to keep someone from driving while he or she is impaired.
If controlling your intake of alcohol is a problem, see your doctor, a counselor, or join a 12-step program. Encourage friends and family who use alcohol or drugs to excess to seek help. Be assertive. |
