DECEMBER HEALTH AWARENESS 

This month, our Public Policy Advocates bring to our attention National Impaired Driving Prevention. This initiative is sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) 

THE THREAT

Drunk Driving is still the #1 cause of death on our roadways.

Every day, about 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that's one person every 52 minutes. In 2019, these deaths reached the lowest percentage since 1982 when NHTSA started reporting alcohol data — but still 10,142 people lost their lives. These deaths were all preventable.

INJURIES PER YEAR

300,000 injuries per year means exponentially more friends, family members, and coworkers are being unnecessarily impacted by others driving impaired.

PEOPLE KILLED IN 2019 = 10,142

THE HUMAN TOLL

Drunk and drugged driving comes with a cost - and it is one that robs us of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses and friends. Meet the people behind the statistics.

THE SOLUTION: BEING A RESPONSIBLE DRIVER IS SIMPLE: IF YOU ARE DRINKING, DO NOT DRIVE.

• Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
• If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home. 
• If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend. 
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving

https://www.madd.org/

https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html