You Drink, You Drive. You Lose
It is the motto of the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month initiative for December 1999. This is a campaign designed to reduce the number of drunk or drugged driving instances across the United States during the month of December. The goal of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is to reduce the current fatality rate to no more than 11,000 per year by the end of 2005.
The Facts About Impaired Driving
- The chances are three out of every ten people will become involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetimes.
- In 1998 alone, 15,936 traffic fatalities were attributed to impaired driving.
- Alcohol related crashes occur more frequently during the weekend and during nighttime hours.
- In 1996, approximately 38% of drivers killed in the U.S. were alcohol positive (BAC of .01% or more).
- Approximately 50% of drivers killed during this weekend were alcohol-positive compared to 29% of drivers killed during weekdays.
- 62% of drivers killed during nighttime hours were alcohol-positive, compared with only 18% of drivers killed during daytime hours.
Impairment constitutes one drink, whether it is "hard" liquor, wine or beer. Once alcohol has been consumed, it is absorbed by an individual's blood system, and can be measured as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). Even one drink can decrease your ability to react quickly, which can prove fatal when you get behind the wheel of an automobile. Each state varies in its accepted BAC level, as does the rate of absorption for each individual. An individual's height, weight, prior experience with alcohol, and the amount of food consumed before drinking are all factors in determining the BAC level. Planning a designated driver, or alternative form of transportation is always a good idea, even when the amount of alcohol consumed is at a minimum.
If you are found to be impaired while driving, you will experience criminal repercussions. These could include fines, the loss of your driving privileges, incarceration, higher insurance rates, and a criminal record. Putting these issues aside, what will happen if you are not caught? The answer to this question is quite frightening and carries more dire consequences. Everyone is affected by the irresponsible behavior of an impaired driver, especially if it includes the emotional destruction a family experiences after the loss of a loved one. The best method- don't drink and drive!
